County officials outline post-storm cleanup rules: separate debris, avoid driving on flooded roads

Mike King, representing Wakulla County public works, briefed the Board on post-storm recovery procedures and public safety recommendations following storms.

King urged residents to limit travel immediately after storms. “If you don't have to go out, please don't go out,” he said, explaining that unnecessary traffic slows assessments and response. He warned about driving through saltwater and over downed power lines and said those behaviors create hazards for drivers and responders.

The county described three debris-response scenarios: (1) minimal-damage storms — the landfill may open for public drop-off for two to three weekends; (2) moderate damage — the county may assist in heavily affected coastal areas; and (3) major damage — contracted crews will perform large-scale collection. King said contractors use heavy equipment that “grab[s] as much as they can out a pile at 1 time,” and urged residents to separate material at the curb so crews can work efficiently.

King gave separation guidance: vegetative debris (trees, branches) should be separated from C&D (construction and demolition debris such as furniture and lumber); appliances and electronics should be stacked separately; hazardous materials (paint, chemicals) may be collected but regular household trash is not collected by the contractor.

On timing, King warned collection may be delayed: permitting, contracting and staging mean it might be “2 weeks before we start picking up.” He asked for patience and explained that if crews must work on private property, scheduling and safety needs may extend timelines.

No formal board action was taken; the briefing provided operational guidance for county recovery planning and public education.