Hurricane Debby Recovery Resources

Down trees, powerlines and flooding occurred throughout the county as Hurricane Debby passed through our area early this week.

Here are some resources to help recover from the storm from the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center and UF/IFAS.

Report property damage to the county at:

This helps the county better understand the impact of Hurricane Debby and address any unmet needs.
The Online Hurricane Debby Property Damage Reporting Form should be completed by any private property OR business owner who has sustained any property damage due to Hurricane Debby.

QUICK TIPS:
Fill out the form as accurately and thoroughly as possible
Upload pictures to show accurate damage

Emergency Permitting:
Hernando County Building Division offers Emergency Permitting due to Hurricane Debby.
Emergency building permit forms will be available on the Hernando County Government website by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us.
Applications must be complete and notarized, if applicable. Please submit completed applications for emergency permitting due to Hurricane Debby using the following email: [email protected]
On the website, you will find the following information:
• Emergency Building Permit Application
• Electric Meter Request (Owner)
• Electric Meter Request (Contractor)
• Hernando County Storm Damage Guidelines

Storm Debris Disposal:
Residents may dispose of storm debris (residential, construction and demolition debris) on their own at the following locations:
• West Hernando Convenience Center
2525 Osowaw Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34607
*ONLY ACCEPTED Wednesday, August 7, 2024 through Saturday, August 10, 2024
• Northwest Solid Waste Facility (Main Landfill)
14450 Landfill Rd., Brooksville, FL 34614
Always accepted during normal operating hours
Call Hernando County Solid Waste and Recycling at (352) 754-4112 for more information.

Storm Debris Pickup:
For areas affected by Hurricane Debby, debris removal pick-up begins Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Pick up will continue until debris removal has been completed.
Areas included in debris removal pick-up are between CR 550 (Cortez Blvd) and Osowaw Blvd., west of US 19 (including private roads), areas in the vicinity of B St. through Bethune St. in unincorporated Hernando County. Only storm-generated debris will be collected.
A debris hotline has been established. For residents with questions regarding the debris removal pick up, please call 833-307-5580.

Tips for debris removal:
• Any appliances should be emptied before being placed at the curb for pick-up. Food waste can be disposed of with your regular household garbage.
• You may see multiple trucks on your street on the same day or trucks on different days, as each truck will be picking up a specific type of debris.
• Yard waste should be prepared separately and collected as Republic Services will pick up in accordance with their procedures, as Tropical Storm Debby did not generate large amounts of yard waste.

For Residents on the East Side of the County:
Be prepared for potential flooding over the next week from the Withlacoochee River.
The sandbag site at the Ridge Manor Community Center is open from 7 am to 7pm. Please bring your own shovel.

For Septic Systems in Case of Flooding:
1. Relieve pressure on the septic system by using it less or preferably not at all until floodwaters recede and soil has drained.
2. Avoid digging around the septic and drainfield while the soil is water logged. Don’t drive heavy vehicles or equipment over the drainfield.
3. Don’t open or pump out the septic tank if the soil is still saturated.
4. If you suspect your system has been damaged, have the tank inspected and serviced by a professional.
5. Keep rainwater drainage systems away from septic drainfield.
6. Keep safety in focus when assessing septic tank impacts.
7. Hire a professional!
*(Do not work on your septic system yourself. Tanks may contain toxic gases that can be dangerous. UF/IFAS recommends hiring septic tank contractors certified through the Department of Health).

Agricultural Producers Storm Survey
The University of Florida asks agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Debby to complete their survey on losses and damages to improve estimations of the state’s collective agricultural losses from such events and inform decision-making related to disaster declaration, response and relief.
Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person. UF/IFAS Hernando County extension office is located at 16110 Aviation Loop Dr.
Brooksville, FL 34604. Their number is (352) 754-4433.