MEDIA RELEASE

November 5, 2024

Hernando County Town Hall Meeting
on Property Restoration from Storm Damage

(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government in conjunction with the Hernando County Development Services Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Property Restoration from Storm Damage on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6pm located in the Weeki Wachee High School Cafeteria (12150 Vespa Way, Brooksville, FL 34614). Residents who experienced property damage from Hurricane Helene (September 26, 2024) and Hurricane Milton (October 9, 2024) are invited to attend a special town hall meeting to discuss the impact of these storms, damage assessments, and the importance of complying with floodplain regulations. FEMA will be on staff to discuss Individual Assistance, the FEMA application process, etc.

Hernando County Town Hall Meeting on Property Restoration from Storm Damage
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Weeki Wachee High School, 12150 Vespa Way, Brooksville, FL 34614

Key Topics of Discussion:

• Substantial Damage Determination: Damage assessment teams have identified some properties, including those in Special Flood Hazard Areas (AE-flood zones), that may have sustained damage exceeding 50% of their pre-damage value. Properties that meet this threshold are subject to "substantial damage" requirements under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Building Permits and Repairs: If your property has sustained substantial damage, repairs cannot begin without first obtaining the appropriate permits. Hernando County’s Building Department will provide guidance on the permitting process and the necessary pre-inspection steps.
• Floodplain Compliance: The meeting will also address the need to bring damaged structures into compliance with flood-resistant construction standards, which include elevating residential buildings at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Non-residential structures must also meet specific elevation or dry flood-proofing requirements.

How to Participate:
The meeting will provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the damage assessment process, floodplain requirements, and available resources. Representatives from the Hernando County Government staff and FEMA will be on hand to answer your questions.

This important town hall meeting is a vital opportunity for residents to understand how to protect their properties and ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. We encourage all affected homeowners and property owners to attend.

###

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) now available in Hernando County.

Pre-registration deadline is Friday, November 8, 2024.

Food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular SNAP program. Pre-register online and call for a phone interview. 

Pre-registration online at MyFLfamilies.com/DSNAP and call 1-888-348-0408.

ELIGIBILITY SUMMARY: Must have suffered a disaster­ related loss in a disaster-declared county (damage to home or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, other disaster expenses), meet financial eligibility requirements, and not be receiving regular food assistance. 
Full details available at the Florida DCF website. 

Click here to download flyer.

Disaster Assistance Available 

Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services has funding available for qualified residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and/or Hurricane Milton.

• Purchase of emergency supplies to weatherproof damaged homes
• Interim repairs to avoid further damage
• Tree and debris removal required to make housing unit habitable
• Construction of wells or repair of existing wells damaged or not useable as a result of the disaster where public water is not available
• Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowner's insurance policy 
• Temporary rental assistance for loss due to declared disaster

Applications are available at the Hernando County Housing & Supportive Services office (621 W. Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601) or online. Click here to visit the website.

For more information, call 352-540-4338.

Households must meet income eligibility requirements. FEMA and insurance claim documentation must be provided.

Click here to download flyer.

Family Recourse Center:

A Family Resource Center (FRC) is open at the Ridge Manor Community Center (34240 Cortez Blvd, Ridge Manor, FL 33523) and will be open 10am-6pm through Sunday, November 3rd. The FRC contains resources, FEMA assistance, American Red Cross, United Way of Hernando County, MREs, water, etc. Please note, the FRC will temporarily close on November 4^th for the Supervisor of Elections to set up the location as a polling site, and November 5^th on Election Day. The FRC is will reopen Thursday, November 7, 2024. 

Disaster Recovery Center:

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) remains open 7 days a week at the West Hernando Library Branch (6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville, FL 34613). This center provides essential support for disaster survivors, offering information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Get help with federal assistance applications, disaster loans, and learn about available resources.

Important FEMA Registration Deadlines:

• Hurricane Debby: Nov. 12
• Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
• Hurricane Milton: Dec. 11

Stay informed with all storm-related updates at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM.

Hernando County received FEMA Federal Disaster declaration for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance from Hurricane Helene & Milton.

To apply for Federal Assistance:

• Call FEMA’s hotline at 800-621-3362
• Visit FEMA Website:
  • www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program
• Download the FEMA app (Available from the App Store or Google Play)

Click here to download flyer for English and Spanish.

When Applying for FEMA Assistance in Multiple Disasters

Floridians who applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Helene, Debby or previous storms must apply separately for assistance after Hurricane Milton.

When applying for FEMA assistance after multiple disasters:

• You will need to describe what damage occurred and on what date, to ensure federal disaster assistance from storms is not duplicated.
• Keep all receipts for expenses associated with each disaster, including:
  • Home repairs
  • Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road
  • Purchase of a generator or chainsaw
  • Replacement of personal property items such as appliances
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement
  • Insurance settlement or denial
• FEMA assistance will not cover losses already covered from a previous disaster but can help with new damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
• Eligible survivors affected by multiple hurricanes can receive Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance in multiple incidents.
• If you already created a Login.gov account, you may use that same account in accessing both applications.
• FEMA is reaching out to applicants who may have been affected by multiple storms to provide necessary support for their recovery. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. If you are concerned about verifying that FEMA is trying to reach you, call the helpline at 800-621-3362.

How to Apply:

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 any day. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision:

If you receive a letter from FEMA and you disagree with FEMA’s decision about your eligibility, you can appeal the decision. FEMA might need more information to continue processing your application. Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and documentation you provided, you will receive a letter explaining:

• Whether you are approved for assistance.
• How much assistance you will receive.
• How the assistance must be used.
• How to appeal FEMA’s decision.

If you are initially not approved for assistance, you may appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. If you have questions regarding the letter or how to appeal, you may visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you choose to call the helpline, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.

What to Include When You Appeal
The letter from FEMA will provide additional information on the types of documents or information that you may need to provide. FEMA will also include an optional appeal form that may be used to help provide additional information.

When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4806-FL for Hurricane Debby, DR-4828-FL for Hurricane Helene and DR-4834-FL for Hurricane Milton) on every page.

For appeals by a third party, the applicant or co-applicant must also have a valid Written Consent on file for the third party with authorization to appeal or represent the applicant at the time of inspection.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Log into your account and upload supporting documents via the Correspondence Upload Center.
• In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center. (West Hernando Library Branch open daily from 9am-6pm) 
• By mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• By fax: (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806 . Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

Be Alert to Fraud After Florida Hurricanes

Floridians should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If this happens, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop further processing of that application.

If you do want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the recent hurricanes. They carry official photo identification. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com).

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

Transit Services:

TheBus has closed the West Side Special Emergency Transportation Service in lieu of low ridership and the demobilization of the stations on the West Side. Resources were routed to the East Side and TheBus began providing Special Emergency Transportation Services in the Ridge Manor Community on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. 

• TheBus will run seven days a week, and will start at the Ridge Manor Community Center at 8:00 AM and end at Ridge Manor Park at 7:00 PM.

TheBus will have two route scenarios, depending on demand:

1. Scenario One will be for shopping only and will stop at the Ridge Manor Community Center, Ridge Manor Park, and Walmart Supercenter.
2. Scenario Two will provide both FEMA recovery and shopping. The route will stop at the Ridge Manor Community Center, Ridge Manor Park, Walmart Supercenter, and the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC.)

Comfort Stations Open 24/7:

Comfort stations include showers, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.

• Ridge Manor Community Center (34240 Cortez Blvd, Ridge Manor, FL 33523)

MEDIA RELEASE
November 12, 2024

Hernando County to Aerial Spray Southwest & Southeast Side of County for Mosquitoes Due to Standing Water from Hurricane Milton

Brooksville, FL:  Hernando County is coordinating efforts to control high levels of adult flying mosquitoes from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Aerial treatments are a large part of this response to provide immediate relief for responders implementing ongoing recovery efforts and to protect human health.  

Treatment operations targeting flying adult mosquitoes will be conducted after sunset and before sunrise starting Wednesday, November 13, 2024, and due to the acreage, the aerial spray could continue Friday, November 15, 2024, as weather permits.  Applications cannot be conducted if the weather conditions exceed the limits set by the product labels such as instances of rain, high winds, and low temperatures.  Further, this notification is contingent on no interruptions to current planned operations, such as weather and completion of existing spray missions, or other unforeseen delays. Aerial mission is from dusk to dawn each evening.   

Please note in preparation for nighttime treatments, aircraft may be seen flying during the daytime to observe any potential obstacles that may interfere with the treatments made at night. These can include unmapped towers, power lines, guy wire, and other obstructions. These aircraft are not making applications. 

Residents are encouraged to use EPA registered mosquito repellents to prevent bites and to check their yards for any containers holding standing water such as bird baths, clogged gutters, kid toys, rain barrels, tarps, etc.  Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, dumping this water out at least once a week can reduce mosquito populations.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are aerial treatments being conducted?
Aerial treatments may be conducted in an emergency response such as post-hurricane event. Surveillance is conducted prior to any aerial treatments to confirm increased mosquito activity.  If increased mosquito activity is identified, treatments are conducted in specific areas to control high population levels of adult flying mosquitoes which occur commonly after high rain events.  This is done to provide relief for responders implementing ongoing recovery efforts and to protect human health.   

Why do the planes fly during the daytime?
Low-flying aircraft that are out during the daytime are not conducting applications, but instead are observing any potential obstacles that may interfere with the treatments made at night. These can include unmapped towers, powerlines, guy wire and other obstructions.

What product is used in aerial treatments?
Due limited availability of products and concerns for decreased efficacy due to resistance, the primary active ingredient used during these applications is naled. This product is applied using up to 2 tablespoons of product for the area the size of a football field. Professional licensed contractors are required to follow all label directions and requirements when conducting treatments. For more information, please refer to the EPA website below. 

htps://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/naled-mosquito-control

Precautionary safety practices for aerial applications:
It is good practice when pesticide spraying takes place for people to stay indoors with the windows shut to help reduce contact. If you are outdoors and you are concerned about being contacted by a treatment, immediately rinse your skin and eyes with water for 15 minutes. It is important to note that the timing of these treatments is scheduled when mosquitoes are most active, and people are typically indoors.  

What are the potential impacts to honeybee hives?
Aerial mosquito control treatments are not typically considered a major concern for honeybee hives due to the timing of these treatments. Treatments are conducted in the late evening and over night when honeybee foragers have returned to their hives.  

In an abundance of caution, below are a couple of options beekeepers can utilize if they choose to do so:

• If you are concerned for “bearding” (honeybees clustering outside the entrance), you can add an empty super (no Frames) to the top level of the hive to allow for more space for the honeybees to retreat inside the hive.
• Beekeepers can also place a piece of plywood leaning against the front of the hive so that the honeybees can still move air in and out as needed but the entrance will be covered.
• Covering hives with any other material is not recommended due to the concern for hive overheating.

Pets and wildlife exposure:
Risks to pets and wildlife from aerial application of naled for mosquito control are minimal because naled is applied from several hundred feet above the ground, at low rates, and it does not persist in the environment.  

When used according to the label directions, even if they are outside during spraying, it is not likely to harm pets. To further reduce any risk of harm to your pet’s health, you can take the same safety steps as for humans.  

Organic Farms:
If a county is aware of USDA certified organic farm who wishes to be excluded from the treated area, FDACS must receive notification of the area to be excluded by 2:00pm on the day the application is being made.  More information regarding the consequences of a prohibited substance being applied to a certified operation due to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program can be found at 7 CFR 205.672 -- Emergency pest or disease treatment.  A database of USDA Certified Organic Farms and Businesses can be found at Organic Integrity Database (usda.gov).

What other measures could you take to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes?

• Eliminate any standing water (even small amounts) to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home, workplace, or children’s schools.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents to prevent bites.  Products that are EPA-registered have been confirmed to be safe and effective when label directions are followed.
• Dress in light-colored clothing, long pants, and long sleeves.

Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.hernandocounty.us/em for all storm-related notices or call the Public Information Center at 352-754-4083.

Questions specific to the aerial spraying, please contact Hernando County Mosquito Control at 352-540-6552 or visit https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-f-m/mosquito-control.

MEDIA RELEASE
October 31, 2024 

UPDATE: Hernando County to Begin Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes Due to Standing Water from Hurricane Milton

Brooksville, FL: 2ND DATE CHANGE: Hernando County Mosquito Control is dedicated to keeping residents informed and has been notified from the Mosquito Control Incident Response Team through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that treatment operations targeting flying adult mosquitoes will be conducted after sunset and before sunrise starting Saturday, November 2, 2024, and due to the acreage, the aerial spray could continue through Monday, November 4, 2024, (if necessary) as weather permits. As a reminder, the Mosquito Control Incident Response Team is conducting this mission through Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and sets the schedule for Aerial Spraying.

Hernando County is coordinating efforts to control high levels of adult flying mosquitoes from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Aerial treatments are a large part of this response to provide immediate relief for responders implementing ongoing recovery efforts and to protect human health.

Applications cannot be conducted if the weather conditions exceed the limits set by the product labels such as instances of rain, high winds, and low temperatures. Further, this notification is contingent on no interruptions to current planned operations, such as weather and completion of existing spray missions, or other unforeseen delays. Aerial mission is from dusk to dawn each evening.

Please note in preparation for nighttime treatments, aircraft may be seen flying during the daytime to observe any potential obstacles that may interfere with the treatments made at night. These can include unmapped towers, power lines, guy wire, and other obstructions. These aircraft are not making applications.

Residents are encouraged to use EPA registered mosquito repellents to prevent bites and to check their yards for any containers holding standing water such as bird baths, clogged gutters, kid toys, rain barrels, tarps, etc. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, dumping this water out at least once a week can reduce mosquito populations.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are aerial treatments being conducted?
Aerial treatments may be conducted in an emergency response such as post-hurricane event. Surveillance is conducted prior to any aerial treatments to confirm increased mosquito activity. If increased mosquito activity is identified, treatments are conducted in specific areas to control high population levels of adult flying mosquitoes which occur commonly after high rain events. This is done to provide relief for responders implementing ongoing recovery efforts and to protect human health.

Why do the planes fly during the daytime?
Low-flying aircraft that are out during the daytime are not conducting applications, but instead are observing any potential obstacles that may interfere with the treatments made at night. These can include unmapped towers, powerlines, guy wire and other obstructions.

What product is used in aerial treatments?
Due limited availability of products and concerns for decreased efficacy due to resistance, the primary active ingredient used during these applications is naled. This product is applied using up to 2 tablespoons of product for the area the size of a football field. Professional licensed contractors are required to follow all label directions and requirements when conducting treatments. For more information, please refer to the EPA website below.

htps://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/naled-mosquito-control

Precautionary safety practices for aerial applications:
It is good practice when pesticide spraying takes place for people to stay indoors with the windows shut to help reduce contact. If you are outdoors and you are concerned about being contacted by a treatment, immediately rinse your skin and eyes with water for 15 minutes. It is important to note that the timing of these treatments is scheduled when mosquitoes are most active, and people are typically indoors.

What are the potential impacts to honeybee hives?
Aerial mosquito control treatments are not typically considered a major concern for honeybee hives due to the timing of these treatments. Treatments are conducted in the late evening and over night when honeybee foragers have returned to their hives.

In an abundance of caution, below are a couple of options beekeepers can utilize if they choose to do so:

• If you are concerned for “bearding” (honeybees clustering outside the entrance), you can add an empty super (no frames) to the top level of the hive to allow for more space for the honey bees to retreat inside the hive.
• Beekeepers can also place a piece of plywood leaning against the front of the hive so that the honey bees can still move air in and out as needed but the entrance will be covered.
• Covering hives with any other material is not recommended due to the concern for hive over heating.

Pets and wildlife exposure: Risks to pets and wildlife from aerial application of naled for mosquito control are minimal because naled is applied from several hundred feet above the ground, at low rates, and it does not persist in the environment.

When used according to the label directions, even if they are outside during spraying, it is not likely to harm pets. To further reduce any risk of harm to your pet’s health, you can take the same safety steps as for humans.

Organic Farms:
If a county is aware of USDA certified organic farm who wishes to be excluded from the treated area, FDACS must receive notification of the area to be excluded by 2:00pm on the day the application is being made. More information regarding the consequences of a prohibited substance being applied to a certified operation due to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program can be found at 7 CFR 205.672 -- Emergency pest or disease treatment. A database of USDA Certified Organic Farms and Businesses can be found at Organic Integrity Database (usda.gov).

What other measures could you take to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes?

• Eliminate any standing water (even small amounts) to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home, workplace, or children’s schools.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents to prevent bites. Products that are EPA-registered have been confirmed to be safe and effective when label directions are followed.•Dress in light-colored clothing, long pants, and long sleeves.

Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices or call the Public Information Center at 352-754-4083.

Questions specific to the aerial spraying, please contact Hernando County Mosquito Control at 352-540-6552 or visit https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-f-m/mosquito-control

Emergency building permit forms are available on the Hernando County Government website by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us.

Applications must be complete and notarized, if applicable. Please submit completed applications for emergency permitting due to Hurricane Helene using the following email: EmergencyPermits@HernandoCounty.us 

On the website you will find the following information:

• Emergency Building Permit Application
• Electric Meter Request (Owner)
• Electric Meter Request (Contractor)
• Hernando County Storm Damage Guidelines

For City of Brooksville emergency information, visit their website at http://cityofbrooksville.us or call 352-540-3810.

Tips for debris removal:

• All appliances should be emptied before being placed at the curb for pick up. Food waste can be disposed of with your regular household garbage.
• You may see multiple trucks on your street on the same day or trucks on different days, as each truck will be picking up a specific type of debris.

Click here to download the Right of Entry form.

MEDIA RELEASE
October 31, 2024 

Important Announcement for Private Communities:
Right of Entry Form Required for Debris Pickup 

(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Department of Public Works is notifying all homeowners' associations (HOAs) in private communities to complete the attached Right of Entry form for debris removal on private roads. This form is essential to access your properties to pick up debris and assist with post-disaster recovery efforts.

To ensure a smooth process, please follow these steps:

• Complete the Right of Entry Form:

HOAs must fill out the following information:

• Page 1: Owner/Association Name, Association Address, and all road names included in the pickup area.
• Page 2: Insurance Information.
• Page 3: Signatures and Witnesses.

Additionally, please provide any access codes necessary for gated communities that are not manned.

• Submit the Completed Form:

Once completed, send the Right of Entry form to Todd Crosby at TCrosby@co.hernando.fl.us.

• Deadline for Submission:

To ensure your form is included with the letter to FEMA being sent by the Department of Public Works (DPW), please submit the completed forms as soon as possible.

• Access the Form Online:
  The Right of Entry form can be downloaded by clicking here.

This process is critical in helping us facilitate the necessary cleanup efforts within your communities. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and your cooperation in ensuring a swift recovery.

Stay informed with all storm-related updates at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM.

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Trailers are permitted at all locations below. All storm debris related tipping fees are waived, until further notice.

• Main Landfill
  Open 7am-5pm Monday-Saturday
  Closed Sunday
  14450 Landfill Rd.
  Brooksville, FL 34614

• West Hernando Convenience Center
  Tuesday - Friday
  9 AM - 5 PM
  Saturday 8 AM - 4 PM
  Closed Sunday, Monday and some holidays
  2525 Osowaw Blvd.
  Spring Hill, FL 34607

• East Hernando Convenience Center
  9 AM - 5 PM
  Closed Sunday, Monday and some holidays
  33070 Cortez Blvd.
  Ridge Manor, FL 33523
  Please remember, no construction and demolition storm debris will be accepted. Normal operations such as household waste, yard debris, furniture, etc., will be allowed.

Republic Services is open and operating normal schedule. See below for more information regarding Yard Waste Removal through Republic Services. 

 Curbside collection is provided by Republic Services in all unincorporated areas of the county, which excludes the City of Brooksville. County residents can call Republic at (352) 540-6457 for questions about their service. City of Brooksville provides their own collection service. City residents can call (352) 540-3810 for questions about service within the City limits.

 Residents with curbside service receive yard waste pick up once per week except on designated holidays. Call Republic Services at (352) 540-6457 to determine your household’s yard waste pick up day or to sign up for new service.

 Residents should follow the set-out procedures below for curbside collection:

 Yard waste may include vegetative matter and biodegradable brown paper bags only. Do not mix treated mulch or wood, rubber mulch, trash, concrete, rocks, plastic pots or flowers, plastic bags from mulch or soil, or any other type of non-vegetative matter with your yard waste. Mixed yard waste will not be collected

 Residential Yard Waste collection is limited to a total of twelve containers, bags, bundles or equivalent of yard waste, per pickup. For larger quantities, contact Republic Services in advance. An additional fee will apply

 Containers and bags, including content, shall be a maximum of 45 gallons in size and not to exceed 50 pounds each. Yard waste is recycled, therefore covered trash cans, brown paper bags or bundles to set out yard waste are preferred. Plastic bags will be opened and dumped to keep the plastic from contaminating the yard waste stream

 Although every effort is made to keep areas clean of spilled yard waste, some spillage may occur when transferring loose yard waste from the container to the truck. Republic is not responsible for accidental spillage resulting from the normal collection process

 Bundled yard waste is limited to bundles under 50 pounds and four feet in length. Bundles must be tie

Branches/limbs cannot exceed four inches in diameter or four feet in length. Whole trees and remnants thereof are not accepted curbside. Live Christmas trees may be disposed of on your regularly scheduled yard waste day if trees are cut to under 4-foot lengths & cleaned of all decorations, including tinsel

 Customers shall set out containers of yard waste no later than 6 a.m. on the designated collection day and no earlier than 6 p.m. the day prior to the designated collection day

 Customers shall set out yard waste within six feet, or as near to the roadway abutting the customer's property as safely possible. Do not set yard waste in the street

 Yard waste generated by a landscaper, tree contractor or other professional who charges you to provide these services to your home, are not collected curbside. See commercial yard waste information below

Commercial Yard Waste:

Commercial yard waste is waste generated by a landscaper, tree contractor or other professional who charges you to provide these services to your home

 Commercial yard waste is not permitted to be left curbside for the residential trash collection service to remove.

 Please work with your contractor or service provider to dispose of your yard waste in another manner

If the trash collection service becomes aware that the yard waste was generated by a contractor, and not the resident, the yard waste will not be picked up

Commercial businesses are required to take waste to the Northwest Landfill and be charged the appropriate tipping fee for disposal.

Alternative Disposal Options

Hernando County property owners and residents of homes that pay the solid waste disposal assessment may take their own yard waste to one of our three locations for disposal

 Property owners and residents may dispose of a combined total of up to 2,000 pounds of solid waste per home, per calendar year for free. This includes most yard waste, including grass clippings, shrub trimmings and tree branches

A Sandbag Location is open in response to flooding of the Withlacoochee River and will close Saturday, November 2nd at 2pm.

Please bring your own shovel.

Ridge Manor Community Center 34240 Cortez Blvd. Ridge Manor, FL 33523

A limited supply of sand and sandbags will be at the following location listed below. Please bring your own shovel. This is a self-serve sandbag site and will be remain open 8am-5pm daily until weather permitting.

Tips on how to properly fill and stack your sandbags:

• @HernandoCountyEM
• @HernandoCoGov
• @HernandoCountyFire

Stay tuned as more information becomes available. Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices.

For questions or more information, please contact
Hernando County’s Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083.

• Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
• Bring all your dogs required medications
• Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
• Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
• Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
• Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable.
• If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow.
• If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others.
• Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal.
• Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed.
• If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle.
• Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate.

Click here to read the Cold Weather Media Release.

Emergency shelters help communities provide a safe and secure place for individuals and families to stay before, during and after a disaster.

What to Expect

What You Need to Know

• There is roughly 20 square feet of personal space per person. That is about 3.5 feet wide and 6 feet long
• You will be asked to show identification when you arrive
• Shelters are usually school gyms. Bring an inflatable mattress or mat, otherwise you will be sleeping or sitting on the floor
• Cots are not provided
• Eat before you arrive. Food may or may not be immediately available
• Doors will close when winds reach sustained speeds of 40 mph
• Shelters may lose electricity. Bring a hand fan or battery operated fan, and a flashlight with batteries
• If you are sheltering with your pet, you must go to a pet-friendly designated shelter. Remember to bring a crate, vaccination records, collar with name and contact number, food and water

What To Bring

• Identification
• At least 7 days of prescription and non-prescription medicine
• Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids
• A few changes of clothes, extra socks
• Supplies for babies (formula, diapers)
• Non-perishable food and water
• A cot, sleeping bag, blankets, pillow
• Flashlight and batteries
• Brush, comb, towel, wash cloth
• Toothbrush, deodorant, soap
• Books, games, magazines, cards, toys and quiet electronics

Personal Preparedness

Emergency Management encourages everyone to make a Personal Disaster Plan that includes sheltering in-place and evacuation. Your Personal Disaster Kit should include food, water, medicine and important papers. Staying Informed and letting others know you are OK, is just as important.

• Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
• Bring all your dogs required medications
• Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
• Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
• Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
• Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable.
• If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow.
• If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others.
• Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal.
• Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed.
• If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle.
• Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate.

*If you are needing the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up.