OCALA, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2023) – The City of Ocala would like to provide citizens with the following information while preparing for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Idalia.

Residential and commercial sanitation routes will continue normal operations Tuesday, Aug. 29.  Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 30 all routes will be suspended due to the impending storm.  Residential and commercial routes will experience a one-day delay and will resume Thursday, Aug. 31.

Citizens are encouraged to call the sanitation hotline at 352-351-6698 for updates. This hotline is available 24 hours a day and will provide up-to-date information about the status of collection schedules.

Residents are also encouraged to properly store and secure their residential sanitation and recycling carts. These items can turn into projectiles in the event of high winds occurring during this storm. 

Homeowners are encouraged to secure yard waste and tree debris in a safe location until the threat of severe weather has passed.  Storm conditions may impact the ability to collect this waste prior to severe weather.  Residents working with tree contractors are reminded that waste removal must be done by the service provider and is not done in conjunction with the City of Ocala Public Works department.

For real-time updates on storm preparations, please follow the City of Ocala on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofocalafl and on Twitter @cityofocalafl.