Almost a week after Hurricane Helene tore through the Gulf coast, municipalities across north central Florida are working on recovery efforts.
The City of Gainesville announced via a press release Tuesday that it would be offering residential curbside pickup for debris left by Hurricane Helene.
Due to the amount of yard waste, pickup will take multiple passes through each neighborhood. The city asked residents to follow certain guidelines when placing waste outside:
- Regular branch weight and diameter requirements are waived, but try to limit the length of each branch to five feet.
- Loose debris like leaves or small twigs should be placed in brown lawn bags or reusable containers, not in plastic bags or on tarps. Vegetative waste will be processed into mulch or compost.
- Do not block streets, driveways, sidewalks, drainage ditches or storm inlets.
- Do not place yard waste next to mailboxes, utility lines, utility boxes, poles or other above ground obstructions.
- Work performed by tree service contractors should be hauled off by the contractor.
The city also asked residents to be patient while the cleanup process continues.
Helene is also impacting mailing services. The US Postal Service has new operational updates for areas affected by hurricane Helene.
The post office at 104 15TH ST SE in Steinhatchee is temporarily suspended, and the location at 518 2ND ST in Cedar Key is also suspended.
Neighbors impacted can get their mail in Chiefland at 222 W Park Avenue.
Non-profit organizations, county, state and even federal leaders are answering the call to assist those feeling the direct effects of Hurricane Helene.
Mercy Chefs are offering hot meals in Newberry for those affected by Helene. Meals are being distributed from 11 a.m. to one p.m., then again from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Levy county is also offering hot meals in Cedar Key at First Baptist Church until further notice.