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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Lake City, FL

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Lake City, FL You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Lake City, FL

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Lake City, FL

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Lake City, FL

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Lake City, FL

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Lake City, FL

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Lake City, FL

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Lake City, FL

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Lake City, FL phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Lake City, FL phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Lake City, FL phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Lake City, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Lake City, FL

Latest News in Lake City, FL

Top to bottom, county road cleanup ‘massive’ after Hurricane Helene

Extra crews will be utilized to aid in response.ImageBodyKevin Kirby said it didn’t take long after first light Friday morning to realize the damage Columbia County residents and property owners had suffered from Category 4 Hurricane Helene’s romp through the area was cataclysmic compared to other recent storms.“I’ve been doing this awhile and I know my county and so do my crew leaders and it took about a half hour this morning to realize we had a massive cleanup ahead of us,” said Ki...

Extra crews will be utilized to aid in response.

Image

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Kevin Kirby said it didn’t take long after first light Friday morning to realize the damage Columbia County residents and property owners had suffered from Category 4 Hurricane Helene’s romp through the area was cataclysmic compared to other recent storms.

“I’ve been doing this awhile and I know my county and so do my crew leaders and it took about a half hour this morning to realize we had a massive cleanup ahead of us,” said Kirby, who is the Columbia County Assistant County Manager who oversees public works as one of his duties.

Top to bottom, Columbia County experienced widespread tree and limb damaged equally everywhere. The damage was severe and everywhere.

The calls and reports of trees down and roads blocked continued to come in and by the time the county commission met at 1 p.m. Friday, he had 350 incident reports in hand and the reports were still being logged by staff members. There were reports of 63 power lines down on county roads by early afternoon Friday, but Kirby said those continued to be reported, too, so he expected this number to be 100 or more by Saturday morning.

Kirby said the process for clearing the downed trees and debris is a systematic one.

“We have to establish a pecking order, just like there’s always a pecking order in life for anything,” he said. “We clear the main arterial roads, then areas around the hospitals, schools, etc. People may not like this because their road does not clear as fast as they want it, but we will get to everyone eventually.”

Kirby said he would be utilizing the county’s eight “cut and toss” crews to clear roads, plus an all-hands-available policy during storms meaning that everyone in all of his departments shifts their duties to working on the cleanup crew until the debris is removed. The eight crews of county workers represents 140 personnel who will tackle the county divided into nine cleanup zones.

“We will utilize all of the county’s standing contracts for cut and toss and for cleanup work and be able to bring in 12 additional crews to help us,” Kirby said. “This basically means we will have 48 more workers out there helping us with the cleanup starting on Monday.”

The cleanup’s first order of business will be the cut-and-toss element of the cleanup, which is exactly as it sounds. Crews cut back the fallen trees or debris and toss it in piles that line the right of way along the roadside. After everything is cut and tossed, possibly even weeks later, a cleanup crew comes along behind and picks up the debris to take to the landfill.

Kirby said the crews would be relentless with their clearing and cleanup efforts.

“I promise the people of this county we will go from can to can’t,” Kirby said. “We will get after it seven days a week. I ask the residents to have patience with us.”

Kirby said the crews will work from first light until dark and additional safety barricades and barrels had been ordered for motorist safety to be used to mark road hazards at night.

“Some areas are really hit hard we cannot get it all cleaned up at one time,” he said. “We will put barrels out there and we will work a small skeleton crew at night, but people need to stay home at night. That is the best thing they can do to help us. If they don’t, someone is going to fly around a corner and there’s going to be part of a tree sticking out in the road and nothing but an orange barrel in front of it and they’re going to smack right into it. We simply can’t get them all cleared in one day.”

Kirby said he was very thankful for the many residents who had used their personal tractors and equipment and had already been clearing their own property, telling county crews not to worry about it, they were glad to help. “I’ve seen this county come together again and we really appreciate it,” Kirby said. “We just caution everyone, please don’t touch the limbs and the trees with any power lines in them.”

County crews also wait for power crews to check any downed lines in trees before they cut away the debris. They will bypass any trees that have power lines in them until power crews have given the OK then come back to them.

Personal debris cleanup

Individuals who clean up their own property without using a contractor may stack their organic storm debris at the edge of their property in the right of way and cleanup contractors will come by in a few weeks and pick up the debris free of charge. Kirby said if contractors leave debris, such as large logs from tree cutting, at the side of the road, the property owner will be charged the cost of hauling it away.

Landfill open and free to use

County residents, not contractors, may haul their organic storm debris to the county landfill and drop it off free of charge seven days per week, beginning Saturday morning for the next few weeks until the storm cleanup is deemed complete, Kirby said. This is a free service for county residents.

Sandbag totals

Kirby said the final sandbag totals claimed by county residents prior to the storm was 15,090, but it turned out the Category 4 Hurricane Helene was a wind storm and not a rainmaker. Still, county residents were prepared with free sandbags provided by the county, as they always are before a hurricane or tropical storm approaches.

More than 99% of area in the dark following Hurricane Helene

BodyElectricity is an essential tool most Columbia County residents lost Thursday night when Hurricane Helene blew through the area with its hurricane force winds.With the exception of those fortunate few who have the use of generators, local residents can expect at least a few more hours, or days, with no power.During a Hurricane Helene briefing, which also served as a county commission meeting on Friday afternoon, representatives from area power companies were unable to provide short term time frame when power would be...

Body

Electricity is an essential tool most Columbia County residents lost Thursday night when Hurricane Helene blew through the area with its hurricane force winds.

With the exception of those fortunate few who have the use of generators, local residents can expect at least a few more hours, or days, with no power.

During a Hurricane Helene briefing, which also served as a county commission meeting on Friday afternoon, representatives from area power companies were unable to provide short term time frame when power would be restored.

The Florida Power and Light representative who addressed county officials at the meeting said 14,600 customers were without power on Friday afternoon and the company was enlisting the aid of 10,000 power company workers from 23 states to help restore power.

Troy Adams, District Manager with Clay Electric Cooperative, said 18,473 Columbia County customers lost power when the powerful storm passed through the area Thursday night.

“It increased through the night and that’s where we’re currently at,” he said on Friday afternoon, after briefing county officials during special county commission meeting. “It started out low numbers and as the storm came in went up. We’re working through it right now.”

Adams was uncertain how long it would take for a majority of customers to have their services restored.

“We’re actually trying to reconnect some right now as we go through our assessment process, so until we get done with that assessment, we’ve got to get a handle on how many poles we’ve got to change, how many locations we’ve got down, how much right of way we need to cut and trees, and that gives us the timeframe from there on how many crews we need, what assets we need and how long that’s going to take, then we can start putting timelines to it.”

According to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative on Friday morning, just 19 of the cooperative’s 28,867 consumers had power. Only one person on SVEC had service in Columbia County.

Hurricane Helene, when it trekked through Columbia County, brought hurricane force winds of at least 112 mph which toppled trees, knotted power lines, snapped power poles and popped transformers across the county.

The damage has been so severe, extensive and far reaching, most of the assessments needed to restore power had not been completed by 12 hours after the storm struck the area.

During the meeting Adams noted crews were still out attempting to complete their assessments, some using the aide of drones.

“Some areas that are blocked by trees, debris and high water that we can’t get vehicles in or walk through, we’ll fly a drone through that area, take pictures of it, look at it…then you assess what you need to get that one to come back on.”

Clay Electric is using the drone technique companywide at the current time, but noted there is a substantial amount of damage in the area of the Fort White and Branford substations.

“We are using all those assets right now to get that assessed,” Adams said.

More than 99% of area in the dark following Hurricane Helene

BodyElectricity is an essential tool most Columbia County residents lost Thursday night when Hurricane Helene blew through the area with its hurricane force winds.With the exception of those fortunate few who have the use of generators, local residents can expect at least a few more hours, or days, with no power.During a Hurricane Helene briefing, which also served as a county commission meeting on Friday afternoon, representatives from area power companies were unable to provide short term time frame when power would be...

Body

Electricity is an essential tool most Columbia County residents lost Thursday night when Hurricane Helene blew through the area with its hurricane force winds.

With the exception of those fortunate few who have the use of generators, local residents can expect at least a few more hours, or days, with no power.

During a Hurricane Helene briefing, which also served as a county commission meeting on Friday afternoon, representatives from area power companies were unable to provide short term time frame when power would be restored.

The Florida Power and Light representative who addressed county officials at the meeting said 14,600 customers were without power on Friday afternoon and the company was enlisting the aid of 10,000 power company workers from 23 states to help restore power.

Troy Adams, District Manager with Clay Electric Cooperative, said 18,473 Columbia County customers lost power when the powerful storm passed through the area Thursday night.

“It increased through the night and that’s where we’re currently at,” he said on Friday afternoon, after briefing county officials during special county commission meeting. “It started out low numbers and as the storm came in went up. We’re working through it right now.”

Adams was uncertain how long it would take for a majority of customers to have their services restored.

“We’re actually trying to reconnect some right now as we go through our assessment process, so until we get done with that assessment, we’ve got to get a handle on how many poles we’ve got to change, how many locations we’ve got down, how much right of way we need to cut and trees, and that gives us the timeframe from there on how many crews we need, what assets we need and how long that’s going to take, then we can start putting timelines to it.”

According to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative on Friday morning, just 19 of the cooperative’s 28,867 consumers had power. Only one person on SVEC had service in Columbia County.

Hurricane Helene, when it trekked through Columbia County, brought hurricane force winds of at least 112 mph which toppled trees, knotted power lines, snapped power poles and popped transformers across the county.

The damage has been so severe, extensive and far reaching, most of the assessments needed to restore power had not been completed by 12 hours after the storm struck the area.

During the meeting Adams noted crews were still out attempting to complete their assessments, some using the aide of drones.

“Some areas that are blocked by trees, debris and high water that we can’t get vehicles in or walk through, we’ll fly a drone through that area, take pictures of it, look at it…then you assess what you need to get that one to come back on.”

Clay Electric is using the drone technique companywide at the current time, but noted there is a substantial amount of damage in the area of the Fort White and Branford substations.

“We are using all those assets right now to get that assessed,” Adams said.

‘WE WILL SEE IMPACTS’: Hurricane Helene now a Category 4 storm as it nears Florida

BodyHelene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida’s northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a “nightmare” surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.Helene prompted hurricane and flash flood warnings extending far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Strong winds already cut power to over 320,000 homes and businesses in Florida...

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Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida’s northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a “nightmare” surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.

Helene prompted hurricane and flash flood warnings extending far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Strong winds already cut power to over 320,000 homes and businesses in Florida, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us. The governors of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas and Virginia all declared emergencies in their states.

The hurricane was about 115 miles south of Tallahassee and had sustained winds of 130 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Accelerating through the Gulf of Mexico, it was moving north-northeast at 23 mph, and life-threatening storm surges of up to 20 feet were expected in the Big Bend area of Florida.

Columbia County officials began making preparations for local impacts on Wednesday. With the area still rebounding from Hurricane Debby in late August and the subsequent flooding it caused, local officials expressed concern during a special County Commission meeting that an abundance of rain could result in more flooding in the area.

“I pray that we don’t get as much rain as they predict we’re going to get,” said Ron Williams, Columbia County Commission Chairman, as he opened the meeting.

Shayne Morgan, Columbia County Emergency Director, informed the group that the storm has been rapidly organizing and was expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area Thursday as a major hurricane, possibly as a Category 4, but there was still potential for the storm to shift back to the east, potentially passing closer to Columbia County.

Projected rain level amounts are 3-7 inches.

“The closer east, the more impactful it will be for our county, the farther west it may provide a little more leniency,” Morgan said.

Morgan also made sure to explain the difference between Helene and other recent storms, namely its size.

“This is a big storm,” he said. “Even though what the cone shows, it will eventually go well outside that cone of error. Impacts will be felt, unfortunately, I’ve heard as much as 200 miles wide of this storm. We will see impacts. It’s just a matter of where it actually tracks as to how far they will go.”

The county’s Citizens Information Center opened Wednesday and was expected to begin with 24-hour operations Thursday morning so people in the building could answer questions from the public, so residents don’t tie up 911 lines with non-emergency questions. The CIC number for storm-related questions is 386-719-7530.

Four general population and one special needs shelter will be open, starting Thursday morning. Those shelters will be located at:

Williams asked that the shelters remain open after the storm has passed the area, so that people who were impacted by loss of electricity or water would have a place for a shower and the use the restroom.

Keven Kirby, Assistant County Manager, said the public works department’s employees will mobilize at daylight on Friday and will “cut and toss” any trees across roadways.

Kirby asked that a curfew be imposed, but Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said emergency vehicles don’t venture out when winds are 45 mph and above and there would be no authorities available to enforce a curfew at the height of a storm with hurricane force winds.

“If you choose to go out, you’re on your own,” he said of people who may venture out during the storm.

Kirby, like Williams, also noted that most local retention ponds are full.

“We are saturated…,” he said. “When somebody says we need to pump water, that’s going to be a challenge. Where do we pump it?”

The county is offering sandbags beginning at 7:30 a.m. until conditions worsen, at:

In addition to the schools being closed on Thursday and Friday, Columbia County Courts have been suspended through the weekend. The Columbia County Tax Collectors, Columbia County Property Appraisers Office, Columbia County libraries, Extension Service Office and Clerk of Courts will be also be closed on Thursday and Friday.

The Columbia County Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed to the public Thursday, but open to the public on Friday if possible.

County trash collection will start 5:30 a.m. Thursday and will continue as wind speeds allow throughout the day. Weather and roadways permitting, pickup is planned to resume on Friday.

By 10 a.m. more than 200 vehicles had gone to Southside Sports Complex to collect 15 sandbags per vehicle.

Charles Edens, Country Skillit owner, was one of more than a dozen people on site filing sandbags to protect his home or business. With a generator and multiple fuel canisters in the bed of his pickup truck, Edens, his son and top server continuously filled sandbags.

He said he planned to have the restaurant open Thursday to 3 p.m. as long as the weather permitted and as long as they had electricity.

“I’m heading to the store to put the sandbags down in the front — one section is a little lower, just to be safe and make sure we’re cautious with the water,” he said, as he wiped sweat from his brow. “I feel that we should be alright. We’re on the main strip of electrical lines and the water, so we should hopefully still have power and electric to help out whoever doesn’t have it.”

‘WE WILL SEE IMPACTS’: Hurricane Helene now a Category 4 storm as it nears Florida

BodyHelene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida’s northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a “nightmare” surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.Helene prompted hurricane and flash flood warnings extending far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Strong winds already cut power to over 320,000 homes and businesses in Florida...

Body

Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida’s northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a “nightmare” surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.

Helene prompted hurricane and flash flood warnings extending far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Strong winds already cut power to over 320,000 homes and businesses in Florida, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us. The governors of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas and Virginia all declared emergencies in their states.

The hurricane was about 115 miles south of Tallahassee and had sustained winds of 130 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Accelerating through the Gulf of Mexico, it was moving north-northeast at 23 mph, and life-threatening storm surges of up to 20 feet were expected in the Big Bend area of Florida.

Columbia County officials began making preparations for local impacts on Wednesday. With the area still rebounding from Hurricane Debby in late August and the subsequent flooding it caused, local officials expressed concern during a special County Commission meeting that an abundance of rain could result in more flooding in the area.

“I pray that we don’t get as much rain as they predict we’re going to get,” said Ron Williams, Columbia County Commission Chairman, as he opened the meeting.

Shayne Morgan, Columbia County Emergency Director, informed the group that the storm has been rapidly organizing and was expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area Thursday as a major hurricane, possibly as a Category 4, but there was still potential for the storm to shift back to the east, potentially passing closer to Columbia County.

Projected rain level amounts are 3-7 inches.

“The closer east, the more impactful it will be for our county, the farther west it may provide a little more leniency,” Morgan said.

Morgan also made sure to explain the difference between Helene and other recent storms, namely its size.

“This is a big storm,” he said. “Even though what the cone shows, it will eventually go well outside that cone of error. Impacts will be felt, unfortunately, I’ve heard as much as 200 miles wide of this storm. We will see impacts. It’s just a matter of where it actually tracks as to how far they will go.”

The county’s Citizens Information Center opened Wednesday and was expected to begin with 24-hour operations Thursday morning so people in the building could answer questions from the public, so residents don’t tie up 911 lines with non-emergency questions. The CIC number for storm-related questions is 386-719-7530.

Four general population and one special needs shelter will be open, starting Thursday morning. Those shelters will be located at:

Williams asked that the shelters remain open after the storm has passed the area, so that people who were impacted by loss of electricity or water would have a place for a shower and the use the restroom.

Keven Kirby, Assistant County Manager, said the public works department’s employees will mobilize at daylight on Friday and will “cut and toss” any trees across roadways.

Kirby asked that a curfew be imposed, but Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said emergency vehicles don’t venture out when winds are 45 mph and above and there would be no authorities available to enforce a curfew at the height of a storm with hurricane force winds.

“If you choose to go out, you’re on your own,” he said of people who may venture out during the storm.

Kirby, like Williams, also noted that most local retention ponds are full.

“We are saturated…,” he said. “When somebody says we need to pump water, that’s going to be a challenge. Where do we pump it?”

The county is offering sandbags beginning at 7:30 a.m. until conditions worsen, at:

In addition to the schools being closed on Thursday and Friday, Columbia County Courts have been suspended through the weekend. The Columbia County Tax Collectors, Columbia County Property Appraisers Office, Columbia County libraries, Extension Service Office and Clerk of Courts will be also be closed on Thursday and Friday.

The Columbia County Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed to the public Thursday, but open to the public on Friday if possible.

County trash collection will start 5:30 a.m. Thursday and will continue as wind speeds allow throughout the day. Weather and roadways permitting, pickup is planned to resume on Friday.

By 10 a.m. more than 200 vehicles had gone to Southside Sports Complex to collect 15 sandbags per vehicle.

Charles Edens, Country Skillit owner, was one of more than a dozen people on site filing sandbags to protect his home or business. With a generator and multiple fuel canisters in the bed of his pickup truck, Edens, his son and top server continuously filled sandbags.

He said he planned to have the restaurant open Thursday to 3 p.m. as long as the weather permitted and as long as they had electricity.

“I’m heading to the store to put the sandbags down in the front — one section is a little lower, just to be safe and make sure we’re cautious with the water,” he said, as he wiped sweat from his brow. “I feel that we should be alright. We’re on the main strip of electrical lines and the water, so we should hopefully still have power and electric to help out whoever doesn’t have it.”

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