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8/30/2019 - City Council unanimously declares a 'state of emergency' in the City
City Council unanimously declares a 'state of emergency' in the City
The special Friday vote allows city officials to put into place an emergency plan in response to Hurricane Dorian
RIVIERA BEACH - As Hurricane Dorian bears down on south Florida, the City Council voted unanimously Friday to formally declare a state of emergency in the city, opening the door for enacting a response plan the city manager and department heads have created.

The City Council vote came during a Special Meeting called on Friday, August 30 in response to the hurricane. Just before that meeting, city officials met at the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to update the plan. 

The main point, says City Manager Jonathan E. Evans, is that everybody's on the team.

“A lot is happening with this hurricane, there’s been significant change every few hours,” he said. “The City Council’s decision allows us to move forward in protecting our residents, our facilities and our homes. That's what counts.”

Watch a video of his remarks following the Council’s vote below.
City of Riviera Beach Hurricane Preparedness information
City officials have also created a recorded phone line for residents to call for updated information. That number is 877-804-5036 and can be heard 24 hours a day.

Indeed, beginning today, city staff--the city manager, department heads, relevant employees--will be on the job 24 hours a day, based at the EOC, which is located in the Department of Public Works.

"We will be there until we see our way clear," said interim Fire Chief John M.Curd.

For information on getting help before, during and after the hurricane, residents can contact:

  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating with government officials in Florida and Georgia on responses to Hurricane Dorian. Clickhere for more information, including downloading its FEMA App.

  • The state of Florida has its State Emergency Response Team (SERT), which provides disaster assistance to state residents. Learn more here.

  • And, in Palm Beach County itself, there is the Emergency Management Department, which oversees everything related to storm preparedness, including steady updates on storms and current activation levels. Visit its website here to learn more.

  • And for a list of storm shelters in PBC, click here. They open on Sunday and there will be one at Bethune Elementary School in Riviera Beach.

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