September 30, 2024
Hurricane Helene landed ashore in Florida’s west coast as a Category 4 Hurricane late Thursday with winds of 140 mph. Due to the onslaught of this Hurricane, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at approximately 8:30 am, the City of Okeechobee, through its City Council, enacted Emergency Ordinance (No. 1297) which followed Okeechobee County’s Emergency Declaration issued the day before. The City’s Emergency Ordinance found that, with the onslaught of Hurricane Helene, a situation existed that potentially constituted an imminent threat to public safety, peace or order, and a threat to public and private property or persons. In these situations, local governments must act expeditiously when issuing emergency orders to protect residents from the potential of disorderly conduct in the aftermath of a major hurricane. Those who have lived in the aftermath of major hurricanes are well aware of this potential. In addition, issuance of an emergency ordinance is a prerequisite to qualify for reimbursement for any damages sustained to public Infrastructure or facilities.
The Emergency Ordinance commenced immediately upon the declaration by the Police Chief and was thereafter terminated by the Police Chief on or about 9:51 pm on the same date it was issued. The Emergency Ordinance was terminated for two primary reasons. One is that, fortunately, Hurricane Helene did not have a substantial impact on the City and its residents. Secondly, a provision prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition was inadvertently included in the Emergency Ordinance. Upon discovering this, the City and Police Chief acted expeditiously to terminate the Emergency Ordinance.
Safeguarding the life and property of its residents is the paramount role and responsibility of the City. Nothing more, nothing less. At no time did the City, or the Police Chief, contemplate, nor take any action, to prohibit, confiscate or otherwise regulate firearms or ammunition.