John Willoughby: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., local organizations, businesses and citizens of Madison County joined together at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to begin planning for a community wide, volunteer-effort to clean-up roads around the county. On hand were representatives from Nestle Water and North Florida Community College, members from the Chamber of Commerce, an official from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and many others who were willing to help.
Edward Meggs, chairman of the planning committee, reminded the audience that Madison County was listed as the poorest county in Florida after a study was conducted by the US Census Bureau. “Mama said, 'just because we're poor, doesn't mean we're nasty,'” said Meggs. Jerome Wyche, Solid Waste Coordinator; and Phyllis Williams, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, also serve on the planning committee.
Wyche commented that there are approximately 700 miles of perimeter roads in Madison County and the planning committee is hoping for at least 200 people to sign up and commit to cleaning up the roads of Madison County. Over a period of time, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) has had a shortage of workers, therefore, it is up to the community to volunteer their time and effort to help clean up Madison County.
There are multiple roads that lead travelers from South Florida to North Florida, onto South Georgia and beyond. US Hwy. 221 and US Hwy. 90 are two main roads in Madison County that have considerable amount of debris. County Road 53, Hwy. 6 and County Road 255 are also in need of cleaning. The unsightly debris sends the wrong signals to travelers, tourists and business prospects; especially since Spring Break is in the near future, as well as Down Home Days. It was stated that there was no reason that the FDOT and/or FDOC work crews should clean up around our own back door.
The community clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, rain or shine, beginning at 9 a.m. The location of the meet-up on the day of the event has yet to be confirmed. The planning committee is hoping to work closely with FDOT to have state-provided vests and equipment to properly – and safely – police the roadways. “Even if we have more than enough [equipment], that's a good thing,” said Wyche.
If you would like to volunteer, plan to wear closed-toe shoes, eyewear, gloves, sunscreen, water, and any medication that you might need during the day. The committee asks that you do not bring children to the event. If any high school students who would like to participate, they are more than welcome to help.
Another planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m., at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. If you can commit yourself or a group to volunteer, you may email Jerome Wyche at swcoord@madisoncountyfl.com or call him at (850) 464-0196. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is located at 182 NW College Loop, in Madison.