Nearly a week after Hurricane Idalia blasted the gulf coast of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, Levy County is picking up the pieces. As residents attempt to clean up and restore their towns, the county offers clean-up assistance and disaster relief.
Levy County’s Emergency Operation Center is currently at a Level 2 partial activation, staffed by staffed by only the necessary departments and agencies, according to the Emergency Management website.
Debris Clean-up
Throughout Levy County, the local government will provide pick-up assistance for vegetative yard debris throughout the county.
In coastal areas that suffered from storm surge and flooding, the county will also help with construction debris and white goods debris such as refrigerators and washing machines. Authorities ask that coastal residents sort their white goods, vegetative and construction debris into separate piles close to the road in the right of way.
Clean-up Assistance Hotline
The county also has a crisis clean-up assistance hotline, which will remain open until Sept. 15. Residents can call 800-451-1954 to get connected with local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. The groups can help cut down fallen trees, tear out drywall, flooring and appliances, tarp roofs and clean up mold.
Though the services are free, they are not guaranteed “due to overwhelming need,” according to a crisis cleanup flyer posted on Levy County Emergency Management’s Facebook page.
The crisis clean-up services do not include social services like food, clothing, shelter and insurance.
Disaster Recovery Centers
The county has also opened disaster recovery centers at the following locations:
- Inglis Community Center, 137 Hwy 40 W, Inglis
- Cedar Key Fire Rescue, 489 1st St, Cedar Key
Residents seeking disaster relief assistance can come to a disaster relief center. If physically unable to come to a center, residents can call 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
For more updated information, residents can call the Levy County Emergency Management office at 352-486-5213 or go to www.LevyDisaster.com.
Federal and State Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance for Idalia is available in 13 Florida counties, including Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Taylor, according to a Monday Facebook post by Levy County Emergency Management.
Residents can apply for disaster assistance and check their application status at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, downloading the FEMA app, or at a disaster recovery center.
Florida has a toll-free hotline for accurate and updated information regarding Hurricane Idalia, which residents can call at 1-800-342-3557.
The Department of Children and Family Services has family resource centers at the following locations:
- Taylor County: Battlefront Ministries, 1000 S Jefferson St., Perry
- Suwannee County: DCF Office, 521 Demorest St., Live Oak
- Madison County: The Bridge, 1135 E US 90, Madison
Feeding Sites
The following voluntary organizations have feeding sites available:
Mercy Chefs
- Suwannee County: Suwannee Middle School, 1730 Walker Ave SW, Live Oak
Operation BBQ Relief
Levy County
- 137 Highway 40 W, Inglis
- 717 2nd St., Cedar Key
- 2201 N Young Blvd, Chiefland
Suwannee County
- 6868 US-129, Live Oak
Taylor County
- 1900 S Jefferson St., Perry
- 1310 1st Ave S, Steinhatchee
Salvation Army
Dixie County
- Old Town Elementary-221 SE 136 AVE Old Town
- Roy Ward Sports Complex, 4 NE 241 St Cross City
Levy County
- 717 2nd St., Cedar Key
Taylor County
- 2057 S Byron Butler Pkwy Ste 1, Perry, FL 32348
Feeding Florida
Suwannee County
- Suwannee Church of God, 9828 US 129 S. Live Oak