Alexa Duarte
reporter.2riverbendnews@gmail.com
In response to Hurricane Debby's widespread devastation, coordinated relief efforts are underway across Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties to support affected residents and businesses.
Suwannee County has established multiple resources to aid in recovery. The Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce is currently organizing a list of those in need of assistance and those available to provide help. Residents requiring cleanup help are encouraged to contact the Chamber at (386) 362-3071.
Food, water and ice distributions are taking place at the following locations:
- Branford - Lafayette County Fourth District Community Center, located at 14204 E US Hwy 27.
- Dowling Park Church of God, located at 23500 CR 250.
- McAlpin Community Center, located at 9981 170th Ter.
- RIVEROAK Technical College, located at 415 Pinewood Dr. SW.
Additionally, pet food is being distributed at RIVEROAK.
Comfort stations offering food, showers, bathrooms and laundry services, where residents must bring their own supplies, have been set up at:
- Hatch Park, located at 403 Craven St. NE, in Branford.
- Spirit of the Suwannee, located at 3076 95th Dr., in Live Oak.
- The Wellborn Community Center, located at 1340 8th Ave.
The Suwannee County Coliseum in Live Oak serves as the primary shelter, accommodating the general population, pets and individuals with special medical needs.
For those with livestock or animals, assistance can be received by applying online via the QR code accompanying this article or contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture at (863) 933-5460 during business hours or (386) 397-2732 after hours.
Mercy Chefs is providing hot meals at the Live Oak Church of God, located at 9828 US 129, until Friday, Aug. 16. They offer lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who lost food due to Debby can apply for food assistance replacement online.
Private property debris removal is being managed by several organizations, including Florida Baptists Relief and United Methodist, among others. Contact the following organizations to receive assistance with clean-up:
- Florida Baptists Relief: (904) 252-0502
- United Methodist: (855) 228-3862
- Faith Responders: (850) 363-6799
- Crisis Cleanup: (844) 965-1386
With river levels expected to rise, the Suwannee River Water Management District advises residents to plan for potential flooding and road closures.
Hamilton County has extended a free service hotline through Friday, Aug. 23, to assist with cleaning up hurricane damage. Residents in need of help with muck out, tree removal, tarp placement and debris removal can call (844) 965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations.
Comfort stations providing showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are located at:
- The Bellville Fire Station, located at 1571 NW CR 145, in Jennings.
- The Crossroads Fire Station, located at 5769 SW CR 141, in Jennings.
- The Genoa Fire Station, located at 8448 SE 137th Blvd., in White Springs.
In Lafayette County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved individual assistance for residents affected by the hurricane as of Sunday, Aug. 11. Residents can apply for aid through the FEMA website, the FEMA app or by calling (800) 621-3362.
Comfort stations providing showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are located at:
- The Day Community Center, located at 4673 N County Road 53.
- Veteran's Memorial Park, located at 123 SW CR 300, in Mayo.
- The Fourth District Community Center, 14204 E US Hwy 27, in Branford.