Public Notice: Measles Health Advisory and Critical Infrastructure Updates

Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Duval County

The City of Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Sunil Joshi, has issued an urgent health advisory following the confirmation of a sixth measles case within Duval County this month. Official data indicates that the majority of these cases involve children under the age of nine. Health officials note that local vaccination rates have fallen to approximately 89-90%, which is below the 95% threshold required for community herd immunity.

Residents are advised of the following official recommendations:

• Healthcare facilities are instructed to post visible signage at entrances advising patients with a rash or febrile illness to remain outside and request a medical evaluation before entering the building.
• Unvaccinated healthcare personnel are strongly encouraged to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Parents are reminded that a single dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% effectiveness in preventing the virus.

Traffic Alert and Infrastructure Maintenance

Multiple significant road closures and maintenance projects are active this week, impacting major transit corridors in the Jacksonville area:

• Race Track Road: A total closure of the railroad crossing near the U.S. 1 intersection is in effect. Florida East Coast Railway began maintenance on Saturday evening, and the crossing will remain closed to all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. Commuters should utilize Old St. Augustine Road and Bartram Park Boulevard as primary detours.
• I-95 Improvements: Nighttime lane closures are scheduled on I-95 between the Forest Street Bridge and the Railroad Bridge from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Additionally, work from I-10 to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway will cause nightly closures starting at 10:30 p.m.
• Normandy Boulevard (SR 228): Daytime lane closures continue from U.S. 301 to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Motorists should expect delays between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. through the end of the month.
• Emergency Notice: All westbound lanes of Beach Boulevard are currently blocked near Hodges Boulevard following a fatal traffic accident reported Sunday morning. Travelers are urged to avoid the area.

Weather and Public Safety

Following a period of record warmth on Saturday, the National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the Jacksonville area beginning Sunday evening. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect the 'Four Ps': People, Plants, Pets, and Pipes. Ensure that outdoor animals have proper shelter and that sensitive vegetation is covered or moved indoors before temperatures drop overnight.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Community members are invited to participate in the following upcoming city sessions:

• District 13 Town Hall: Council Member Ken Amaro will host a town hall meeting on Monday, February 23, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss local issues and constituent concerns.
• Public Service Grant Council: A budget committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall. The session is open to the public and will be accessible via Zoom.