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Mandatory evacuations issued for campgrounds in Franklin County, closures announced

evacuation
Posted at 11:04 AM, Oct 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-18 13:46:43-04

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — Franklin County Emergency Management has issued mandatory evacuations for all campgrounds and is urging citizens on the coast and low lying areas to move to higher ground ahead of an anticipated tropical storm.

EVACUATIONS:

Officials say mandatory evacuations have been issued for all campgrounds in Franklin County. You are being asked to move your campers inland until the storm passes.

The county is also urging people who live along the coastline and Barrier Islands, in low lying areas, in river areas that are prone to surge or flooding from tidal surge to move to higher ground.

People living along Alligator Point Road are also being asked to move to higher ground as the road is likely to erode due to storm surge and wave action.

BRIDGES:

The Franklin County Sheriffs Office will be manning all state bridges. Bridges will close at sustained wind speeds of 45 mph.

SAND BAGS:

Sand bags are being distributed at the following locations from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Limit of 10 bags per household and only for ground level homes directly on the coastline or low-lying areas:

  • Apalachicola – Old State Yard on Bluff Road (12th Street)
  • Eastpoint – Fire Station
  • St. George Island – Fire Station
  • Carrabelle – Old County Annex on Hwy 98 E

BEACHES:

All Franklin County beaches are closed with Double Red Flags Flying. There is an elevated risk of rip current for the next several days. Large and dangerous surf is expected at area beaches with surf heights up to 8 feet.

CLOSURES:

  • Weems East Clinic in Carrabelle will be closed on Saturday.
  • Carrabelle Library will be closed on Saturday.