PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – Both directions of State Road 20 in Putnam County were closed early Wednesday due to “extremely heavy smoke in the area,” prompting Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Elementary and Interlachen Jr.–Sr. High School to close for the day, according to the sheriff’s office.
PCSO said the heavy smoke in the area of SR-20 and Keuka Road has reduced visibility to “essentially zero,” which is why the Florida Highway Patrol shut down the road.
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Officials said this closure will impact some bus routes — some will not run or will be delayed.
“Please do not leave your child at a bus stop. All absences will be excused due to these conditions,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
PCSO said County Road 315 is also closed from State Road 20 south to County Road 310, prompting the closure of Jenkins Elementary Schools.
Ochwilla Elementary and Melrose Elementary schools will be parent drop-off only.
“Bus routes cannot run at this time on the west end of the county,” the sheriff’s office said.
🚧 Roadway Closed due to Smoke 🚧
— FHP Jacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) February 4, 2026
SR 20 is currently blocked in both directions due to low visibility caused by smoke. Several wildfires have caused this issue and are being actively handled by personnel. Please avoid area and seek an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/wlwMgqIUTL
On Tuesday, News4JAX reported that over the last week, Putnam County had 12 wildfires amid worsening drought conditions in our area.
“We did see a rapid increase in wildfire occurrence throughout Florida, but definitely here in north central Florida over the weekend,” said Ludie Bond, Public Information Officer with the Florida Forest Service.