9-13-24:
Following prolonged and intense rainfall, the city of Fernandina Beach declared a Local State of Emergency at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Interim City Manager Jeremiah Glisson provided an update on the situation today, describing the challenges the city faces as extraordinary rainfall pushed both stormwater and wastewater systems beyond capacity.
The rainfall was "extraordinary and unprecedented and overwhelmed the city’s stormwater system and entered the city’s wastewater system.," said a release from Glission. "Volumes at the wastewater plant increased by an estimated 400%. The wastewater plant operated above capacity which resulted in an overflow of partially treated wastewater being discharged into the Amelia River. At this time, all wastewater is being treated."
According to the release, "The excessive volume of stormwater at the treatment plant resulted in a backup within portions of the wastewater collection system. This caused overflows and backups within limited areas of downtown. City staff mobilized to make modifications to the plant’s operation to accommodate the excessive flow. The collection system is still experiencing excessive volumes which staff continue to address."
The city has already shared all information with state authorities to coordinate a broader response. The release emphasized there are no immediate health risks but urged residents to stay out of floodwater.
"There are no immediate health risks. Residents are advised to stay out of flood water," said the release. "City staff will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. This State of Emergency will continue until localized flooding recedes, weather conditions improve, and wastewater operations return to normal."
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9-12-24:
Mayor of Fernandina Beach, Bradley Bean, has declared a local state of emergency in Fernandina, explains a recent release.
"Due to the unprecedented, record rainfall overwhelming the stormwater system, some homes and businesses are experiencing stormwater coming through the wastewater system, said Bean. "Our number one priority is your safety, our city team will be working through the night to do as much as we cane. Please stay safe."
He concluded his message by saying, "Thank you to all the city staff and first responders who have been working hard all week to keep our city safe."
The following is from Interim City Manager, Jeremiah Glisson. He states, "The attached is a declaration of a state of emergency in response to severe weather conditions which have inundated stormwater and wastewater sewer systems. We will provide more information as it becomes available."
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RESOLUTION 2024-189
A DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE INUNDATED STORMWATER AND WASTEWATER SEWER SYSTEMS, LOCALIZED FLOODING IS ONGOING AND EXPECTED TO CONTINUE.
WHEREAS, the City of Fernandina Beach, in response to record, prolonged, severe and ongoing rain fall, hereby declares a Local State of Emergency; and
WHEREAS, continued and prolonged rainfall is overwhelming the City’s stormwater system and negatively impacting the wastewater sewer system; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Florida Statute Section 252.38 (Emergency management powers of political subdivisions), it is an innate responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision to safeguard the life and property of its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY DECLARED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT:
SECTION 1. Under the recognition of the responsibility described in Florida Statute Section 252.38, and due to the growing and ongoing threat to the City of Fernandina Beach, a State of Emergency is hereby declared for all areas within the corporate limits of the City of Fernandina Beach, effective 6:00PM, September 12, 2024.
SECTION 2. This Resolution and declaration must be confirmed by the duly elected City Commission of the City of Fernandina Beach as the first item of business at the next scheduled (regular or special) meeting of the City Commission.
SECTION 3. In accordance with Florida Statute Section 252.38(3) and for the purpose of continuing local government operations as budgeted and approved by the City Commission, the City Manager (and his designees) may exercise the powers and authority granted therein.
SECTION 4. In further accordance with Florida Statute Section 252.38, and State of Florida Executive Order 20-52 (Section 5[D]), the City may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required pertaining to: 1) performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, including but not limited to, modifications to the conduct of public meetings and public participation at said meetings; 2) entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus percentage contracts as defined by 2 CFR 200.323(d); 3) incurring obligations; 4) employment of permanent and temporary workers; 5) utilization of volunteer workers; 6) rental of equipment; 7) acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and, 8) appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
SECTION 5. This Declaration of Local State of Emergency is effective on September 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM (EDT) and remains in effect until terminated by the City Commission. The City Manager, or his designee, may extend this Local State of Emergency in seven (7) day increments,
if it is determined that Florida Statute Section 252.38(3) requires extensions of the Local State of Emergency in seven-day increments. It is the position of the City that this current rainfall affects all of Nassau County, not just one political subdivision, and will not be resolved within seven days. The City Manager has extended the Local State of Emergency for the City of Fernandina Beach on September 19, 2024, and again on September 26, 2024 and will continue to approve extensions of the Local State of Emergency in seven-day increments, as needed.
ADOPTED this 12th day of September 2024 by the City Commission.