JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As a tropical storm warning covers our area, Mayor Alvin Brown has announced the Jazz Festival outside activities will be cancelled Sunday.
City officials have asked everyone to prepare for Sub-Tropical storm Beryl's anticipated arrival Sunday evening.
"This storm is going to hit us, basically, tomorrow," Mayor Alvin Brown said Saturday. "We want to make sure that we're ready."
At a 6:30 p.m. press conference Saturday, the Mayor announced the cancellation of the outside Jazz Festival activities Sunday. It takes crews more than 12 hours to break down all of the stages, and in anticipation of the storm, the Mayor said safety is the biggest concern. At this point, inside festivities Sunday will still go on, according to Brown.
Saturday night Jazz Fest events and the U.S. Men's soccer match at Everbank Field will go on as planned.
Sub-Tropical storm Beryl is on track heading to the First Coast, with landfall expected Sunday evening. In addition to heavy rain, it's possible that wind gusts will reach 60 miles per hour.
"I don't want anyone to be complacent, particularly those going out to the beach. Be careful out there. There's strong tides and currents. We want people to be safe."
To prepare for the storm, residents are encouraged to clean up loose objects around your home. Trim and clear out any non-sturdy tree limbs. That's what Brown said the city is doing right now.
"JEA and Public Works are really focusing on removing debris and limbs throughout the city."
Brown said flooding is also a main concern.
"In the past we've had not just flooding but tree limbs coming down, making it very difficult for us to function so we want to make sure we're in strong preparation."
Mayor Brown stressed that while he wants everyone to prepare, he doesn't want anyone to panic.
"Bottom line, we're keeping a watchful eye. We want all things to be normal... but we want to make sure people are ready."
Meantime, all of Northeast Florida remains on alert. "We're in contact with all of the other counties in Northeast Florida," he said.
Mayor Brown said another update would be given at 8 a.m. Sunday as they are still determining how the storm will impact Memorial Day ceremonies.
City officials will be updating jaxready.org and you can count on First Coast News for continuing coverage.
