10/11/2026
Sunday, October 11, 11:30 a.m.
As Santa Rosa County continues recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias, residents are asked to follow storm debris collection guidelines to help ensure a safe and efficient cleanup process. The first pass of debris pickup is anticipated to start on Wednesday, October 14.
Residents should place storm-generated debris along the public right-of-way, generally the area between the street and the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. Proper placement and separation of debris will help collection crews work safely and efficiently.
Residents should follow these guidelines when preparing debris for collection:
Separate debris by type. Place vegetative debris, such as tree limbs, branches, leaves, and shrubbery, in a separate pile from construction and demolition debris, such as damaged building materials like fencing and sheds. These materials will be collected separately.
Do not bag storm debris. Only loose debris will be collected. Bagged debris should not be placed along the public right-of-way.
Keep debris away from utilities and obstructions. Do not place debris near drainage ditches, storm drains, mailboxes, water meters, fire hydrants, low-hanging tree limbs, power lines, transformers, or other utilities. Keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles and other traffic.
Leave remaining debris for subsequent collection passes. Only storm debris placed along the public right-of-way is currently eligible for collection. If debris is not removed during the initial pass, keep remaining materials properly separated and accessible for subsequent collection.
Keep household garbage separate. Regular household garbage collection will continue according to schedules established by residential waste service providers. Household trash, including spoiled food, should be placed in regular garbage containers and never mixed with storm debris.
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BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) is coordinating with national disaster relief organizations, local community partners, and our Long-Term Recovery Groups to connect Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents with much-needed assistance. Through Crisis Cleanup, residents can be connected with volunteer organizations that may be able to assist with:
-Roof tarping
-Tree removal
-Debris cleanup
-Mucking out flooded homes
-Other storm cleanup needs
CALL CRISIS CLEANUP: 1-800-451-1954
Santa Rosa County appreciates residents' patience and cooperation as cleanup crews work throughout the community. Following these guidelines will help keep neighborhoods safe and support an efficient recovery process.
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Shelter:
The Clyde L. Gracey (Milton) Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton, is open as a shelter until further notice. There are currently no plans by the City of Milton, Santa Rosa County, or the American Red Cross to close the shelter. Updates will be sent if anything changes.No pre-registration is required.
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Santa Rosa County Offices:
All county offices, including libraries and the animal shelter, will be closed on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13
The Central Landfill in Milton will reopen beginning Monday, October 12, for regular operations, 7 a.m.- 5 p.m., cash only.
The First Judicial Circuit will be closed through Wednesday, October 14. Any domestic violence injunction hearing will be continued to next Wednesday, October 21. Jurors summoned for this week do not need to report.
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Curfew
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has enacted a curfew from dusk until dawn each day, until further notice. Employees who may need to travel to and from work during curfew may do so.
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Illegal Contractors:
As you begin repairs and cleanup, please use only properly licensed and insured contractors. Hiring unlicensed contractors can put you at risk of substandard work, financial loss and potential legal issues. Take time to verify credentials before agreeing to any work or making payments. Learn more about choosing the right contractor online at https://santarosa.fl.gov/1043/Choosing-A-Contractor
