GAINESVILLE, Fla. – When Albina Guri evacuated from St. Petersburg with her husband ahead of Hurricane Milton, her neighborhood back home was filled with discarded,  curbside debris including furniture, carpets and artwork that had been pulled from homes damaged in last month’s Hurricane Helene.

Guri, a pulmonary physician from Largo, Florida, headed with her husband to Jacksonville as the latest hurricane lumbered toward the state’s Gulf Coast. She had remained in Pinellas County for the last storm, losing two cars to flooding from its storm surge. She wasn’t taking any chances with this one.

“I think that Milton is a whole different beast, and I hope that people are taking it seriously and getting out,” Guri said in a phone interview.

Her evacuation to Jacksonville – a drive that normally would take less than four hours – took eight hours due to heavy traffic during one of Florida’s largest evacuations in a generation.

Hurricane Milton was expected to come ashore with winds up to 125 miles per hour and a huge storm surge, enough to pick up even heavy pieces of furniture and send them flying into buildings or vehicles or washing junk down roads and possibly interfering with drainage.

“We know that wind speeds do increase when wind is funneled between buildings,” said Corene Matyas, a University of Florida researcher specializing in climatology and meteorology. “The water can also pick up the debris and spread it and now it might be in piles on the curb, but the water is going to take it and just spread it everywhere.”

All along Florida’s Gulf Coast, governments were rushing to remove the debris from the last storm before Hurricane Milton’s strong winds could blow it away or its storm surges could wash it away. The pace of the cleanup was agonizingly slow, and time was running out.

“Most times after a storm, you don’t have another storm on the back end,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news briefing Tuesday. “These things tend to take months and months to do.”

DeSantis sent more than 300 state dump trucks and other vehicles into areas over the weekend to augment local government cleanup efforts in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties ahead of Milton’s landfall .Over 48 hours, those trucks removed 1,200 loads of debris, he said. But it wasn’t enough.

“We’ve made a huge dent in this,” DeSantis said. “The more debris we can get picked up, the less damage is going to happen, whether that’s floating into the Gulf of Mexico, whether it’s projectiles into other buildings.” 

The governor ordered landfills to remain open full time ahead of Hurricane Milton, and said trucks would continue to haul away debris in the hours before the next hurricane hits, “until it’s no longer safe to do so.” He said contractors working for local governments after Hurricane Helene were taking too long to haul away debris.

“There was not necessarily a great job all around,” DeSantis said.

Matyas, the UF researcher, said that the debris left over from Helene and the new debris that Milton could clog drains, leading to more flooding. 

Leftover debris like scrap metal, couches and picture frames can become projectiles once winds get a hold of them, Jennifer Collins, a University of South Florida professor specializing in climatology, said.
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This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. The reporter can be reached at landerson2l@freshtakeflorida.com. You can donate to support our students here.

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ALACHUA ‒ A standing room only crowd packed the Alachua Woman’s Club on Sept. 10, 2024, for the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking luncheon. Known for bringing together local professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members, the event is a hub for sharing ideas and fostering business connections.

The featured speaker was Freddie Wehbe, a well-known entrepreneur behind Wehbe Marketing and Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille. Wehbe delivered an engaging and often entertaining talk, detailing his inspiring journey from Ghana, his birth country, to his present-day success as a thriving businessman in the U.S. Wehbe is no stranger to the Alachua community, having previously owned the local Domino’s Pizza, among other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Wehbe captivated the audience with his insights on entrepreneurship, the power of data-driven decision-making, and strategies for success. Attendees eagerly jotted down notes as Wehbe shared lessons from influential leaders and recommended several books and figures that have shaped his professional growth.

“The diversity of our speakers reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of our region’s business community,” said Alachua Chamber President Adam Boukari. “We are always excited to host these luncheons, which offer a venue for learning, connection, and community building.”

The Chamber’s monthly gatherings aim to inform and strengthen the Alachua business community, providing opportunities for networking and professional development. Upcoming community events include Scarecrow Row and Trick or Treat on Main Street.

For more information on additional future luncheons and events, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website at alachuachamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 386-462-3333.

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ALACHUA ‒ As Florida braces for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, state and local officials are ramping up preparations. The storm, currently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall by Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, potentially as a Category 3 hurricane.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, expanding the initial declaration as the storm's threat increases. Evacuations are underway in several coastal areas, especially in regions vulnerable to storm surge like the Big Bend.

Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida, including the Florida Panhandle and portions of Florida’s west coast. The National Hurricane Center forecasts this system will strengthen while moving northward over the Gulf of Mexico.

Residents are being urged to finalize preparations, including gathering emergency supplies. Sandbags are being distributed in flood-prone areas, and local authorities are preparing for potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds. Storm surge is expected to reach up to 9 feet in some areas, and rainfall could total 8 inches in parts of North Florida.  

On Tuesday Alachua County issued a local State of Emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, which was upgraded from a potential tropical cyclone. The order was passed at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. Alachua County has also activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If there is an actual emergency, call 911. Alachua County officials are urging residents not to underestimate the potential impact of this storm. Residents are urged to make sure they have hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.

Sandbag Locations

Alachua County staff will distribute 10 sandbags per vehicle at designated locations. Sandbags are available at Alachua County’s Wayside Park, 11855 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, Alachua. Distribution began on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and was scheduled to continue until Wednesday at 9 a.m., weather permitting, until 3 p.m. The County says that after staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service.

In the City of High Springs, an unmanned sandbag site has been opened at Memorial Park, 17380 N.W. U.S. Highway 441. Bags and sand are limited although additional truckloads of sand are being delivered. Anyone wishing to obtain sand from this site must bring their own shovel and be prepared to load their own bags.

For residents of the City of Gainesville, pre-made sandbags were being provided at the Public Works Center, 405 N.W. 39^th Ave., Gainesville. Distribution began Tuesday, Sept. 24 and was scheduled to continue Wednesday at 8 a.m. A limit of 10 filled sandbags per vehicle can be picked up at this location. To ease traffic flow, arrive at this location via northbound Northwest 6^th Street and then turn east (right) onto Northwest 39^th Ave.

Self-Serve sandbags were available on the same schedule at Citizens Field, 1000 N.E. Waldo Rd., Gainesville. Persons wishing to obtain sandbags from Citizens Field should be prepared to bring a shovel or trowel to fill sandbags. Assistance is available for those in need. To ease traffic flow, access the site from Northeast 12^th Ave. via Waldo Road, or travel south on Northeast 15^th Street via Northeast 16^th Ave.

The City of Hawthorne has sand and bags available at the City of Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant, 23016 S.E. 65^th Lane. Residents are informed to be prepared to fill their own bags.

The City of Newberry has sand and bags available at the public works compound at 120 N.W. 260^th Street and residents are advised to bring their own shovels.

Early Prescription Refills

Additionally, the Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of their prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

State Emergency Response

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. FDEM is hosting twice-daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to facilitate ongoing resource requests for counties, including requests for water, generators and support personnel.

Nearly 500 missions are being facilitated by the State Emergency Response Team to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like prestaging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:

• 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
• 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
• 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
• 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
• 12 UTV’s
• 15 Cut and toss crews
• 7 search and rescue teams
• 1 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions

Important actions to take include:

• Secure loose items around your home that could be carried by strong winds.
• Protect properties in flood-prone areas.
• Trim tree limbs around windows and clear debris.
• Move vehicles away from trees.
• Ensure all family members are familiar with your emergency plan.
• Prepare for possible extended power outages.
• Refill essential prescription medications.
• Create a plan for pets.
• Check-in on neighbors, particularly those with special needs.
• For the latest storm track and updates, Alachua County recommends visiting www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf

Local residents may sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County

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Alachua Lions Club members joined together with Troop 88 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to celebrate completion of scout hut renovations with a ribbon cutting ceremony. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

Renovated And Expanded Scout Hut Unveiled

ALACHUA ‒ Renovations to Alachua Boy Scout Troop 88’s scout hut are now officially complete. Chartered in 1912, Troop 88 is one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the United States, with deep ties to the Alachua community and the Alachua Lions Club. The troop has been sponsored by the Alachua Lions Club since the organization’s charter in 1931.

Located on Northwest 142^nd Terrace across from the Alachua Post Office, the Alachua Lions Club broke ground for the expansion of the scout hut on Nov. 10, 2023. The renovation project included a major expansion, increasing the size of the scout hut by two-thirds. Renovations included the refurbishment of the existing restroom, the construction of a new wheelchair-accessible restroom, a new HVAC system, and the addition of a covered front porch.

On Sept. 7, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the renovations. The event attracted a large crowd that include Lions Club members, current and former Boy Scout Troop 88 and Cub Scout members and leaders. Lions Club members attending included Alachua Mayor and Lions Club Troop 88 Liaison Gib Coerper, Lions Club member and Alachua Vice Mayor Ed Potts, Lions Club Past President Paul Good and Alachua City Commissioner Shirley Green Brown.

Alachua Lions Club President Jack Zuidema offered remarks about the project and the importance the renovated and expanded facility will make for current and future scouts. Coerper led the ribbon cutting ceremony that formally marked the end of construction and a new beginning for the scouts who will be using the building.

Alachua Lions Club records show that the first scout hut in Alachua was built in the 1930s with the help of the Lions Club. After that building burned down in 1983, club member Gilbert Whitman spearheaded the construction of a new scout hut. Tragically, Whitman was killed in a car accident on February 14, 1984, after helping pour the concrete for the new building. The new scout hut, completed in February 1984, was dedicated in his memory.

In 2017, Lions Club member Gib Coerper began efforts to raise funds for another major expansion, with a total price tag of $185,000. Donations from the community, including Scherer Construction, made the renovated scout hut possible. Despite material delays pushing back the initial completion date, construction is now complete.

Thanks to the efforts of so many community members and supporters, Troop 88 now has a larger and fully modernized scout hut to serve future generations.

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