Brevard courts to close Thursday and Friday due to storm

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate phone number)

Don't bother setting the alarm this week if you have jury duty.

In anticipation of strong winds and driving rain throughout Central Florida associated with Hurricane Helene, Chief Judge Charlie Crawford of the 18th Judicial Circuit cancelled court proceedings for Brevard and Seminole Counties for Thursday and Friday.

"Based on the information provided by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Emergency Management Director, I believe it is prudent to cancel both Seminole and Brevard County Court proceedings," Crawford said in an email.

Crawford hoped that initial appearances ― when someone arrested first goes before a judge ― could resume on Friday at the normal time of 1:15 p.m. Judges sometimes appear virtually for first appearances.

"Winds are predicted to be over 50 mph through Friday morning with massive power outages and downed trees across the state," Crawford said in an email. "Many will be dealing with that, and safety is paramount. Please remember, while you personally may not be affected, many others will be."

For updates regarding court operations being closed and reopening, Crawford suggested checking the 18th Judicial Circuit's Facebook page and on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PIOFLCOURTS18. Those in Brevard can also call (321)-635-5700 while those in Seminole should call (407) 665-4945.

Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com . You can follow him on X @johnalbertorres or on Facebook at facebook.com/FTjohntorres .

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard courts to close Thursday and Friday due to storm