St. Johns County Long-Term Recovery Organization

06/05/2026

Disaster recovery starts long before a storm makes landfall.

Recently, Gina Birmingham, our Long-Term Disaster Recovery Coordinator, joined VOAD Executive Board members Dr. Brian Schoonover, Patty Isola, and Julie Wesling at the St. Johns County Emergency Management Operations Center for a hurricane response exercise.

The scenario involved a Category 1 hurricane just off our coast, with the EOC at Level 2 activation. Representatives from every Emergency Support Function (ESF) worked through real-world situations, tested communication systems, and strengthened partnerships that help our community respond and recover when disasters strike.

As ESF-15, our role is to coordinate volunteer organizations, donated resources, and community support during disasters. Exercises like this remind us that preparation, communication, and collaboration are some of our strongest tools.

Thank you to St. Johns County Emergency Management for helping keep our community ready before the next storm arrives.

05/29/2026

https://teamrubiconusa.org/news-and-stories/hurricane-preparation-checklist/
Don't wait until it's too late!

Team Rubicon’s expert-approved hurricane preparation checklist to protect your family, pets, and home this hurricane season.

05/18/2026

https://lisamillerassociates.com/lma-newsletter/lisa-miller-associates-newsletter-may-18-26/
Hurricane Season starts soon! Start preparing with non-perishable food items, 5 gallons of water per household member and don't forget dry food and water for your pets!

Hurricanes & Policy Whirlwinds, Next Steps in FEMA’s ‘Significant Moment’, Big Federal Flood Insurance Changes, Wildfires Still Burn Despite Rain, Lisa Miller Associates, Father-Son Heroes

05/08/2026

They make it so easy to donate! No one should be hungry in America!

For over 30 years, National Association of Letter Carriers has proudly led Stamp Out Hunger, the largest one-day food drive in America. This Saturday, May 9, leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox and your letter carrier will take care of the rest. Together, we can !

05/08/2026

TOMORROW'S THE DAY!
https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive
Every little thing we can do as a community can change the lives of people we may not even know are struggling.

The National Association of Letter Carriers, NALC, is the national labor union of city delivery letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service.

05/01/2026

I spent a few days in Orlando at the Florida Disaster Collaboration Conference diving deep into disaster recovery, housing policy and what it really takes to help people rebuild after a crisis. The conference was equal parts eye-opening and motivating.
The biggest takeaway? The system is complicated, slow and often overwhelming, especially for the people who need help the most but there are ways to navigate it. From understanding insurance and documenting losses correctly, to pushing through FEMA claims and appeals without giving up, to knowing when to tap into state programs or SBA support- it all comes down to being informed, persistent, and prepared.
What stuck with me most is how critical our role is on the ground. People aren’t just dealing with damage to their homes, they’re trying to hold onto stability, dignity and a sense of normalcy. That doesn’t happen without strong advocacy, clear guidance and people willing to push back on systems that don’t always work as they should.
Equally important is the power of partnership. This conference brought together organizations from across the state and even parts of the country, all tackling this work in different ways and those connections matter. Collaboration is what fills the gaps, strengthens response and ultimately makes recovery possible when systems fall short.
I’m heading back with more tools, more clarity and a stronger commitment to making sure our community isn’t navigating this alone.

04/20/2026

We love our county…let’s try to protect it!

🔥⚠️ BURN BAN ISSUED🔥⚠️

St. Johns County has issued a countywide burn ban effective immediately through April 27, 2026, due to extreme drought conditions and elevated wildfire risk across Northeast Florida. The burn ban may be extended if hazardous conditions persist.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including:

🚫 Yard debris burning
🚫 Campfires and bonfires
🚫 Unattended open flames

Residents are urged to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, including improper disposal of ci******es, use of fireworks, or parking vehicles on dry grass.

🔥⚠️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4vEtPcm

St. Johns County
St. Johns County Fire Rescue
Florida Forest Service

03/04/2026

Blue Skies are almost over. Start taking precautions for the upcoming storm season!

Be proactive with the Hurricane Safety Program—secure your home, reduce insurance costs, and boost safety with expert hurricane-resistant solutions.

01/30/2026

Be carelful this weekend, we haven't had such a long cold spell in awhile! Stay Warm and Stay Safe!

Winter Storms Aren’t Over; CPSC Warns of Deadly Carbon Monoxide Risks and Fires During Power Outages

12/30/2025

I'm sure lots of people wonder...who is in an LTRO(G)?
If you see this and feel like your organization needs to be a part of our group, let me know! The more representation, the better response!