Jefferson County

Evacuation canceled

After a harrowing night of anticipating Hurricane Laura’s landfall, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick is calling off the area’s mandatory evacuation beginning at 10 a.m. on Aug. 27. The evacuation order has been in effect since Aug. 25. 

‘Please evacuate now.’

Urgent Alert to Jefferson County Residents:   “Hurricane Laura is approaching Southeast Texas and will land Wednesday evening.”   This storm “will continue to gain strength and cause catastrophic and life threatening conditions. Please evacuate now.

‘Extended power outages’ expected

From Entergy: “Based on Hurricane Laura's current forecast and track, (the Beaumont) area may see extended power outages. Given the intensity of this hurricane and the additional need for our crews to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, hardest-hit areas may experience outages for weeks.” www.

County to close Highway 365

Ahead of the pending landfall of Hurricane Laura, Jefferson County has called for the early closure of Hwy 365 gates, shutting off access. County spokesperson Allison Getz advises that the gates will close at 11 a.m. on Aug, 26, one hour early.

Mandatory evacuation

Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all of Jefferson County beginning at 6:30 AM Tuesday morning, Aug. 25, due to the projected impact of Hurricane Laura. 

County braces for disaster

Citing concerns of “eminent threat of suffering widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property,” Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick has declared a state of emergency for the area beginning Aug. 23.

'Sure cure' no sure thing as demand threatens supply

  As Southeast Texas experiences an insurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in a population that spans all races, tax brackets and zip codes, the mortality rate attributed to the potentially fatal disease has been fairly low.

Jail outbreak slows in county jail, climbs in Beaumont prison

“We tested probably 20-something folks and only had two (positive) in that dorm,” Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said of jail COVID-19 testing this week.

'Maxed out'

Holiday plans include hitting up a Texas water park? Catching some sun at the beach? Barbecuing with family and friends?

County luncheon canceled due to judge’s illness

“TODAY'S LUNCHEON IS CANCELED - PLEASE DO NOT COME TO FORD PARK.” Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bill Allen reports that the CHRISTUS State of the County Luncheon, scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 25, is canceled due to the keynote speaker’s illness.