St. Johns County distributes about 14,000 free sandbags as hurricane season begins

St. Johns County Public Works said the county distributed approximately 14,000 free sandbags at six locations across the county to help residents prepare for hurricane season.

The distribution is part of the county’s annual preparedness effort. County staff said the sandbag program normally begins in early May and that it takes about two weeks for staff to produce the bags using the county’s sandbag machine. Officials said staff worked at multiple sites to hand out bags and to assist residents with loading.

The county framed the sandbag distribution as one component of broader preparedness work intended to reduce property damage and flood risk. In addition to picking up sandbags, residents were urged to review emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits, learn their evacuation zones and sign up for emergency alerts.

“St. Johns County Public Works distributed approximately 14,000 free sandbags at six locations throughout the county,” the agency said, noting that producing and staging the bags is a planned, seasonal activity.

County officials said preparing early is one of the most effective ways residents can improve their safety and readiness during hurricane season and reiterated that the county remains committed to public safety and year-round resilience efforts.