Curry and Deegan present united front ahead of hurricane season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jun. 1 marks the start of hurricane season and a sixth of a way into the six-month-long season -- a new Jacksonville Mayor will be taking the helm.

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Mayor Lenny Curry and Mayor-Elect Donna Deegan were shoulder to shoulder presenting a united front during Wednesday’s annual hurricane preparedness meeting.

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Both espoused confidence citizens can rest easy, knowing the city will be prepared no matter what mother nature may throw its way.

“Incredibly confident. We’ve been working together, the mayor-elect and I and our teams for a smooth transition on all fronts,” Curry said.

“Obviously emergency preparedness is job number one. So, we’re ready for it and we’re gonna make sure that our teams stay Jax Ready, whether these storms come early or whether they come later,” Deegan said.

Deegan declined to weigh in on what staffing shake ups could be coming down the pike but said collaboration with the outgoing administration will ensure the new team is fully up to speed.

“And it’s been very easy because this team has been very helpful in making sure that we have all the information that we need,” Deegan said.

Curry noted the buck stops with the mayor during emergencies, adding those who have previously held the position are always available for guidance.

“I’ve called former mayors. My phone number is always available. I’ve used it occasionally and mayor-elect will have access. Now there’s three of us that have been through this stuff and we’re always here to help,” Curry said.

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Deegan and Curry both offered advice to Jacksonville residents, reminding people now is the time to prepare your emergency kits, learn your zone and if a storm does come… Heed the warnings of emergency officials.