Wildwood Officials to Issue Emergency Declaration as Precaution

August 2, 2024

Wildwood’s city commission will convene a special meeting this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. to issue a local declaration of emergency in advance of Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. Wildwood’s declaration will follow one planned by the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners for 4:00 p.m. today and an executive order issued yesterday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, declaring a state of emergency in 54 Florida counties, including Sumter.

 “We are taking steps to ensure we are prepared, should the weather system develop into a storm with serious damage potential in Wildwood,” said Jason McHugh, Wildwood’s city manager. “Even with the best technology and forecasting, weather can be unpredictable, and we want to ensure we have everything in place to respond should the need arise.”

Sumter County serves as the lead for local emergency management programs and services, per executed interlocal agency agreements. It operates the Sumter County Emergency Operations Center and the county’s emergency shelters.

“We remain in continuous communication and will continue to coordinate with Sumter County officials as we monitor the system,” McHugh added. “If and as severe conditions develop in this area, we will work together to keep the community updated as appropriate.”

For more information about Sumter County’s emergency management services, please visit www.sumtercountyfl.gov/718/Emergency-Management or call 352-689-4400.

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