CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast this weekend, the sounds of saws, hammers and generators will waft through the humid air as residents in storm-ravaged communities begin the task of recovering.

Citrus County has released new information to assist residents.

Debris Removal
Citrus County’s Department of Public Works says debris pickup will begin first thing on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Residents are asked to stage all debris in the right-of-way for pick up. Crews will begin cleanup in the portions of Evacuation Zone A located in unincorporated Citrus County on Tuesday morning, then expanding services to other areas as needed.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management asked storm victims to separate debris into separate piles.

Those living within Crystal River or Inverness city limits are advised to reach out to their municipality for more information.

The Citrus County Central Landfill is operating as usual and will be open to residents on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with extended hours for commercial haulers. However, the landfill will be closed on for the Labor Day holiday.

The county says standard landfill fees apply for self-haul debris. Some items (such as furniture, carpet, padding, mattresses, scrap metal, etc.) are always free per the landfill’s residential fee schedule.

Permitting
Citrus County’s Department of Growth Management has initiated a temporary 72-hour grace period for emergency repairs which require a permit. “We realize there are immediate repairs required to protect the integrity of some storm-damaged structures and property,” said Growth Management Director Eric Landon. “So long as property owners apply for the required permit within 72 hours of the repair, this will be temporarily allowable.”

The need to prioritize response to storm damage will also temporarily limit the normal permitting and inspection process. “Much of our staff is partnering with Florida Emergency Management to conduct property assessments in the field to determine storm damage,” Landon said. “This will result in limited service for our department on permitting and inspections in the short-term.”

For more information about permitting, call 352-527-5310.

Volunteers
Citrus County says they have received many offers of assistance from those willing and able to help. Citrus County’s Department of Community Services is still actively seeking volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts in the impacted coastal areas. Sign up to volunteer here.  For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 352-527-5950.

Wi-Fi
If you need Wi-Fi, free access is available at Citrus County Library System locations, including:

  • Coastal Region – 8619 W Crystal St, Crystal River
  • Homosassa – 4100 S Grandmarch Ave, off W Grover Cleveland Blvd

The Wi-Fi  can be used inside during regular library hours or picked up in the parking lot during off hours.

Boat Ramp 
Fort Island Gulf Beach, including the boat launch, boardwalk, fishing pier, and restrooms, all sustained damage during Hurricane Idalia. The facilities will be closed until repairs are completed. Please do not attempt to enter the area until recovery efforts are complete.