On Monday evening, the Sumter County Commission met in a special session to declare a state of emergency as Hurricane Milton nears.
The city of Wildwood has also announced it plans to meet in a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to issue a declaration of emergency as well. The announcements follow an executive order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency in 51 Florida counties, including Sumter.
Per executed interlock agreements, Sumter County serves as the lead for local emergency programs and services. The county operates the Sumter County Emergency Operations Center, as well as emergency shelters and sandbag facilities.
“We are clearing stormwater inlets, securing public facilities, fueling emergency equipment and vehicles, testing our backup generators, and placing pumps in areas of the city that may be vulnerable to flooding,” said Jason McHugh, Wildwood’s city manager. “History has shown us to expect the unexpected with weather events, and we are taking steps to prepare in every way we can,” said Jason McHugh, Wildwood’s city manager, via a post shared by Wildwood officials.