County: St. Johns
ZIP Codes: 32259
Fruit Cove, Florida, is situated in northwest St. Johns County, along the St. Johns River, and is approximately 15-20 miles from Jacksonville Beach. Given the town's location, it is relatively shielded from direct oceanic storm hits; however, it is particularly susceptible to the catastrophic effects associated with hurricanes, including high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. Its close proximity to the St. Johns River and a network of smaller creeks heightens the risk of flood-derived damages during heavy rain events, especially from surge water pushed upriver during a hurricane. The town's relatively low elevation also contributes to this potential for flooding. However, the significant distance from the coast helps to slightly alleviate the direct storm surge typically associated with coastal communities. Looking at recent hurricane history, Hurricane Irma (2017) is the best example of the possible hurricane threat to Fruit Cove. The hurricane caused record-breaking flooding in the neighborhood, with the river overflowing its banks and affecting numerous households, causing significant property damage. This is a scenario that could be repeated in the future with other hurricane impacts. Additionally, the passage of Hurricane Jeanne and Frances in 2004 did affect Fruit Cove, although damages were less severe compared to Irma. Thus, town planning and disaster preparedness in Fruit Cove should account for potential high winds and heavy rain from hurricanes, with a particular focus on flood management due to the town's unique river proximity and low elevation.