Jacksonville-area hospitals weathered Hurricane Milton ‘s high winds and rain with no major damage or flooding, according to their representatives.
Even Baptist Health’s facilities in flood-prone San Marco and on the St. Johns River and Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, also on the river, escaped unscathed, they said.
Hospitals, particularly those on or near the river, implemented elaborate measures to protect themselves.
“Baptist Jacksonville and our other locations in San Marco, which are close to the St. Johns River, are safeguarded by an advanced flood protection system designed to ensure the safety of our patients, team members and facilities throughout the duration of a major storm,” spokeswoman Cindy Hamilton said. “We also have built-in and backup pumps to move water away from the facility. These preparation efforts have consistently protected the hospital from floodwaters, ensuring that critical operations remain unaffected during major storms.”
The flood protection system includes massive metal barriers, inside and out, to block the river and floodwaters advancing into the property. Hurricane doors are also part of the system.