Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
It may be surprising, but it has only been three months since Hurricane Helene tore through Suwannee County. The holiday season offered an easy distraction from the horrors that we saw here at home and across the country. However, as the holidays begin to wind down, many people wake up from their celebratory stupor and return to the reality that we are still reeling from. This includes the debris that still litters the county. Riverbend News has had multiple people reach out asking for an update on debris pickup.
Suwannee County is contracted with the state for debris pick up, with emergency management being the point of contact. They are in regular contact with the state to make sure the debris is being taken care of. As of Monday, Jan. 6, debris trucks are back after their holiday break and are hard at work making their final passes through the county. However, the deadline to place debris by the road was Nov. 23, 2024. For more information or questions, call the automated debris information hotline at (386) 364-7922.
Hamilton County had multiple dates set for the end of debris pickup, based off of the district the citizen lives in, specifically for Hurricane Debby. The dates meant that it was the final time to put out debris. For District 1 it was Sept. 23, for District 2 it was Oct. 4, for District 3 it was Sept. 30, for District 4 it was Sept. 9 and for District 5 it was Sept. 16. However, due to the surprise of Hurricane Helene, those dates have been extended. For more information contact Hamilton County at (386) 792-6639.
Lafayette County residents were all asked to have their storm debris on the right of way by Nov. 23. “If there is any leftover debris after Nov. 23, 2024, please contact Lafayette County Public Works at (386) 208-2795,” the Lafayette County website reads.