MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners passed an emergency ordinance on Tuesday, Oct. 15, due to the severe damage from Hurricane Milton. This ordinance focuses on clearing storm debris from public and private properties, including roads, and will take precedence over any local laws that conflict with it.

Key Ordinance Provisions
  • Debris removal from private roads and properties is usually the job of the property owner. However, because Hurricane Milton’s debris creates safety risks, the county might step in to help in certain private areas to ensure public health and safety.
  • The law permits county workers to help remove debris from private roads after a disaster if safety is threatened.
Debris Collection Schedule
  • Start Date: Debris pick-up for vegetative and tree material will begin Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
  • Resident Instructions: Residents need to put debris at the side of the road in clear spaces, making sure it is away from things like trees, power lines, and fire hydrants.
  • Deadline: All debris should be placed out for collection by end of day, October 27, 2024.

Please note that only tree debris and vegetative material will be collected. Items such as yard clippings, construction debris, household garbage, or materials from lot clearing are not eligible for this service.

|RELATED: Marion County assesses Hurricane Milton damage

Citizen Debris Drop-off Sites

Three drop-off sites for debris have been established in Marion County to help residents. These locations will be open until October 27, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are for personal use only. Residents need to show ID to prove they live in an unincorporated area of Marion County.

Drop-off Locations:

  • Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Hwy. 484, Belleview
  • SW Hwy. 484 and SW 57th Ave. Rd., 5700 SW Hwy 484, Ocala
  • NE Jacksonville Rd., 5823 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala

For more details or questions regarding debris removal and the emergency ordinance, please visit the Marion County Hurricane Information webpage.