JFRD changes blasting permit, after implosion miscommunication

Jacksonville, FL — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has made changes to its application for blasting permit, after some miscommunication lead first responders to be caught off guard by last weekend’s implosion of a Florida Power & Light plant on the Northside.

The blasting permit for that Cedar Bay plant project was signed by all the required parties, but at that time, the exact date of the event had not been established. Emails obtained by WOKV showed that a representative of the contractor emailed the date a few days ahead of the event, but the recipient of that email didn't realize that was intended to serve as the formal notification, so the date was not communicated to others within JSO and JFRD.

After being flooded with calls about the implosion, emergency responders told us they had been unaware of the event. JFRD since clarified that they had been aware the demolition was to take place, but not exactly when, because of that apparent miscommunication on the formal date and time notification.

The contractor says they notified adjacent property owners.

The new permit now has three “General Requirements” that were not previously listed. The first is that an implosion or large outside demolition needs a ten-day notification period. Second, it specifies that the blasting company is the one who must notify surrounding homes and businesses. Third, it says consideration should be taken for the size of the demolition, time of day, and other factors.

There are some additions at the signature lines as well. At the JSO and Jax Fire Prevention Division lines, there is now a note saying signature requires notification of the JSO Chief of Homeland Security Division and JFRD Chief of Operations, respectively.

A JFRD Spokesperson says the intent of this is to make the notification responsibilities of the contractors and companies involved clearer. JFRD found no wrongdoing on the part of the employee who did not realize the contractor’s email served as official date and time notification.