West Palm Beach Strengthens Storm Readiness Through Hurricane Drill

Published on May 16, 2025

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May 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
kjoy@wpb.org

(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

 

 

City of West Palm Beach Strengthens Storm Readiness Through Hurricane Zeke Drill

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL  (May 16, 2025)— On Thursday morning, multiple crews from the City of West Palm Beach mobilized to respond to the aftermath of the mythical Hurricane Zeke, clearing roughly 50 tons of simulated storm debris during a full-scale emergency preparedness drill. Teams from the City’s Public Utilities, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Fire Rescue departments took part in the exercise to ensure West Palm Beach is fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a disaster during the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.

Crews use a tractor to remove debris from over a car    Ponce De Leon Avenue is closed because of hurricane debris   Crews use a tractor to remove debris from over a car

The City deposited yard waste collected during the annual Vegetation Amnesty Days along a one-block stretch of Ponce De Leon Avenue between Bethesda Terrace and 26th Street to simulate hurricane damage. Teams worked together to assess and remove fallen trees, trash, abandoned vehicles, simulated power lines, and a “hazardous waste” zone — replicating real-life hazards that could follow a major storm.

“The hardest part is once the storm clears going out and seeing what the damage actually is,” said West Palm Beach Assistant Fire Chief Brent Bloomfield, chief of the City’s Emergency Operations Office. “Our first mission is to help the citizens and life safety. Life safety is always number one, helping the citizens and property conservation comes in after that.”

Adding to the complexity, several “residents” were included to simulate real-world challenges. Crews had to respond to emotional calls for help, including missing pets, trapped loved ones, and frustrated residents demanding faster service.

Several impartial observers, including visiting officials attending the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, evaluated the City’s response and timing. Their feedback will help inform improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of West Palm Beach residents in the event of an actual storm.

The City of West Palm Beach is prepared, and encourages all residents to be too.

As hurricane season approaches, now is the time to make a plan, build a supply kit, and stay informed. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and the City urges every household to take early action to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home

 

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