The Captain of the Port of Jacksonville has decided not to shut down commercial operations in the port due to the current anticipated track and strength of Tropical Storm Ernesto.
Jacksonville maritime agencies and industry partners made the decision not to close the port in an effort to minimize the economic impact on the port of Jacksonville following the latest weather reports. Commercial operations are still being minimized within the port, and any operations must be approved by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is still encouraging boaters to stay off the water and prepare for the storm. Boaters are reminded that search and rescue operations will be degraded due to the storm and minimized crews.
Coast Guard assets have been strategically placed and are poised to react as soon as the storm passes to ensure major waterways are navigable and safe to operate within.