President Obama has named Nassau County as one of eight counties in the State of Florida to receive federal funding in a Major Disaster Declaration. Federal assistance to Nassau County is for "protective action", which includes costs associated with the mandatory evacuation and costs of debris collection.
According to Emergency Management Director Billy Estep, most of the damage reports thus far have been to private homes on the island as a result of trees falling onto houses. There were numerous power lines down, as well as some beach erosion.
FEMA will provide federal funding to Nassau County to assist with debris pickup for the unincorporated areas of the County. Homeowners will be responsible for making sure all debris is placed curbside as it will not be picked up from personal property. Debris should be placed beside the road and separated into two categories: one pile for vegetative debris such as leaves, plants, and tree limbs and another pile construction debris such as singles, fencing and drywall. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE SUCH AS PAINT, BATTERIES, APPLIANCES, ETC. WILL NOT BE PICKED UP. Contractors are currently assessing the amount of debris and will be providing the County with a schedule for pickup in the next few days. We will share that information here as soon and the local press as soon as it's available.
Nassau County will also be establishing a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in coordination with FEMA this week and the location will be announced in the next few days. The DRC will provide a central location that easily accessible for all residents to assist in filing for uninsured federal assistance and other grant programs in place to assist individuals. If you have any questions regarding this service, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.
-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office