Hurricane Helene update #4

Published on September 26, 2024

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Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 2 storm as it approaches the Big Bend area of the gulf coast. Hurricane Helene is a very large storm whose momentum is expected to bring strong, damaging winds with gusts in our area reaching as high as 73 mph.

Neighbors should remain vigilant and expect power outages and downed trees as the storm continues its advance northward.

Parking

  • Free parking at the SW Parking Garage, 105 SW Third St., is available during the storm, based on availability, for neighbors who need to store their vehicles.
  • Parking restrictions are lifted today for all parking zones.

Regional Transit System (RTS)

  • Bus service is operating on reduced service today and has suspended fares for passengers. (Service will be suspended once area winds reach 35 mph.)

Public Meetings

  • The General Policy Committee meeting has been canceled. The Gainesville City Commission Special Meeting on the FY25 budget has been rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 30. It will be the second and final public hearing on the budget.
  • Visit the Public Meeting Calendar on the city’s website for the current list of scheduled meetings.

Emergency shelters open

  • Alachua County has opened two pet-friendly general population shelters: The MLK Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th St.; and the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave. in Newberry.
  • Alachua County has opened a special needs shelter: Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd. Registration in advance is not required. For more information, please call 352-955-2575.
  • For transportation to the special needs shelter, please call 352-955-2575.
  • Details including which items to bring to a shelter can be found here.

311 Emergency Information Line

  • Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information line for rumor control and questions. Neighbors can also dial 352-264-6557.

Refuse Collection

  • Today’s residential trash and recycling pickup is delayed with expected pickup tomorrow, Sept. 27. Please do not place containers, branches or other items curbside today.

Facilities

  • City offices and facilities are closed today, Sept. 26.
  • All parks, pools and recreation centers are closed.

Additional resources

  • To receive City of Gainesville alerts, sign up at www.alertgnv.org.
  • Visit GRU.com/StormCentral for a list of important phone numbers in the event of service emergencies, as well as a link to the Gainesville Regional Utilities outage map with estimated time of restoration.
  • Visit www.safeGNV.org for all emergency management updates and additional preparedness tips.
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