Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County Emergency Management Department has sent the word out that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has partnered with Madison County to remove debris left behind by Hurricane Idalia. There are certain guidelines which need to be followed.
• The FDOT will remove both vegetative (tree limbs, branches, etc) and construction debris (shingles, fencing, lumber, drywall, etc), but they must be separated into different piles.
• All debris must go on the side of the road (outside your fence, in the right of way). Please do not allow debris to block roads, drains or fire hydrants. If possible, avoid causing sightline obstructions.
• The FDOT will not walk onto your property to collect debris - you or a contractor will need to pile debris in the correct area.
• Do not bag the debris. Debris should be placed in loose, separate piles on your easement in order to be picked up.
• Household garbage should be discarded at your local collection site, just as normal. Please do not mix household garbage with storm-related debris.
• Private debris contractors only need to remove material to the right of way for collection. They do not need to haul it to another location. Please make sure you are not being charged for hauling when paying a contractor.
The initial job of debris collection has begun, but it is expected to take several days or weeks. The FDOT will be collecting debris in waves as more and more is cleared. Everyone is asked to please be patient with this process. Please use caution if you see work crews on the roadways clearing debris. Please help keep everyone safe during this clean-up phase.