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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Gainesville, FL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Florida in Gainesville to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Gainesville, FL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Gainesville. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Matheson History Museum in Gainesville, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Gainesville.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Gainesville, FL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Charter Senior Living of Gainesville in Gainesville for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Gainesville, FL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Gainesville?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Gainesville, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Historic Matheson House in Gainesville, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Gainesville restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Gainesville, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Gainesville, FL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Gainesville, FL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Embers Wood Grill in Gainesville. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Gainesville rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Gainesville, FL
No contest: Gainesville, Alachua County easily pass 3 local referendums
Seth Johnsonhttps://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/govt-politics/elections/gainesville-alachua-county-pass-referendums
Alachua County and Gainesville voters have spoken, but before anything changes, the courts will also need to speak on two referendums concerning Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and the county’s Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) district structure.On both, voters spoke overwhelmingly.Alachua County voters also approved the One Mill for School ballot question with 76% of the vote. The One Mill item will be implemented without issue.Become A MemberMainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-poundi...
Alachua County and Gainesville voters have spoken, but before anything changes, the courts will also need to speak on two referendums concerning Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and the county’s Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) district structure.
On both, voters spoke overwhelmingly.
Alachua County voters also approved the One Mill for School ballot question with 76% of the vote. The One Mill item will be implemented without issue.
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
The local public utilities referendum asked if Gainesville voters wanted to eliminate Section 7 from the city’s charter—thereby erasing the GRU Authority and returning management control of the utility to the City Commission.
The referendum passed with 72.6% of the vote—39,305 to 14,863 votes.
Mayor Harvey Ward said he expected the vote to pass but not by such a large margin. He called the victory a mandate by citizens to return the system to the previous structure.
“Our system is supposed to depend, in large measure, on giving the people a voice and listening to that voice,” Ward said. “This is as big a mandate as I’ve seen on anything, and I would hope that that carries weight.”
The GRU Authority filed a lawsuit in September to stop the ballot referendum, calling it illegal and saying the City Commission lacks the power to undo an act of the Florida Legislature—even through a voter referendum.
An Alachua County judge authorized a temporary injunction. This injunction will prevent the city of Gainesville from implementing the referendum until after the lawsuit is settled. The hearing is currently scheduled for December.
Concerning the lawsuit, Ward said the City Commission will need to discuss its next steps at a future meeting. If the GRU Authority lawsuit succeeds, then the voters will have spoken in the affirmative but without any change.
Ward said he’s not sure what might happen if that’s the case.
“For now, what’s important is that the people have spoken very, very loudly, and the people own this thing, and they should have a voice,” Ward said.
On the Alachua County district referendum, the BOCC placed a ballot question that asked if voters want to return to the at-large system. Voters said yes will 71.6% of the vote—90,886 to 36,024.
In 2022, the Florida Legislature placed a referendum on the local ballot asking if Alachua County wanted to switch to single-member districts. That referendum passed with 51.5% of the vote, but the BOCC, who opposed the change, said misinformation had skewed the election.
The BOCC voted to place the issue back on the ballot this year, but the commission races scheduled for 2024 continued under a single-member district system.
With the overwhelming vote on Tuesday, Alachua County is poised to switch back to at-large districts in 2026, but a lawsuit filed by local citizens will hamper that change.
In October, a judge ruled that the ballot language was illegal according to Florida Statutes. Alachua County plans to appeal the decision in order to enforce the result of the election.
Until the judiciary has its say, the referendums will hang in limbo.
On the state level, Florida voters approved two constitutional amendments and rejected four others. These constitutional amendments needed 60% of voters to pass.
Alachua County and Gainesville voters have spoken, but before anything changes, the courts will also need to speak on two referendums concerning Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and the county’s Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) district structure.
On both, voters spoke overwhelmingly.
Alachua County voters also approved the One Mill for School ballot question with 76% of the vote. The One Mill item will be implemented without issue.
Become A Member
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
The local public utilities referendum asked if Gainesville voters wanted to eliminate Section 7 from the city’s charter—thereby erasing the GRU Authority and returning management control of the utility to the City Commission.
The referendum passed with 72.6% of the vote—39,305 to 14,863 votes.
Mayor Harvey Ward said he expected the vote to pass but not by such a large margin. He called the victory a mandate by citizens to return the system to the previous structure.
“Our system is supposed to depend, in large measure, on giving the people a voice and listening to that voice,” Ward said. “This is as big a mandate as I’ve seen on anything, and I would hope that that carries weight.”
The GRU Authority filed a lawsuit in September to stop the ballot referendum, calling it illegal and saying the City Commission lacks the power to undo an act of the Florida Legislature—even through a voter referendum.
An Alachua County judge authorized a temporary injunction. This injunction will prevent the city of Gainesville from implementing the referendum until after the lawsuit is settled. The hearing is currently scheduled for December.
Concerning the lawsuit, Ward said the City Commission will need to discuss its next steps at a future meeting. If the GRU Authority lawsuit succeeds, then the voters will have spoken in the affirmative but without any change.
Ward said he’s not sure what might happen if that’s the case.
“For now, what’s important is that the people have spoken very, very loudly, and the people own this thing, and they should have a voice,” Ward said.
On the Alachua County district referendum, the BOCC placed a ballot question that asked if voters want to return to the at-large system. Voters said yes will 71.6% of the vote—90,886 to 36,024.
In 2022, the Florida Legislature placed a referendum on the local ballot asking if Alachua County wanted to switch to single-member districts. That referendum passed with 51.5% of the vote, but the BOCC, who opposed the change, said misinformation had skewed the election.
The BOCC voted to place the issue back on the ballot this year, but the commission races scheduled for 2024 continued under a single-member district system.
With the overwhelming vote on Tuesday, Alachua County is poised to switch back to at-large districts in 2026, but a lawsuit filed by local citizens will hamper that change.
In October, a judge ruled that the ballot language was illegal according to Florida Statutes. Alachua County plans to appeal the decision in order to enforce the result of the election.
Until the judiciary has its say, the referendums will hang in limbo.
On the state level, Florida voters approved two constitutional amendments and rejected four others. These constitutional amendments needed 60% of voters to pass.
What channel is Florida vs. Kentucky on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Saturday college football game live
Daniel Yanofskyhttps://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/florida-kentucky-channel-time-schedule-watch-live/821fdf98f6b1e37b3acc07c2
Florida and Kentucky look for rebound wins when they face off in a Week 8 matchup in Gainesville.The Gators bounced back from a 1-2 start by winning two straight. However, the team lost against Tennessee in OT after having all the momentum earlier in the game. Quarterback DJ Lagway will look to carry the team after Graham Mertz was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.Meanwhile, Kentucky also had a two-game win streak snapped with a loss against Vanderbilt. QB Brock Vandagriff looks to impress and show consistency on the fi...
Florida and Kentucky look for rebound wins when they face off in a Week 8 matchup in Gainesville.
The Gators bounced back from a 1-2 start by winning two straight. However, the team lost against Tennessee in OT after having all the momentum earlier in the game. Quarterback DJ Lagway will look to carry the team after Graham Mertz was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
Meanwhile, Kentucky also had a two-game win streak snapped with a loss against Vanderbilt. QB Brock Vandagriff looks to impress and show consistency on the field. That may be possible thanks to a dangerous weapon in receiver Dane Key.
Florida leads the overall series 53–21, with games dating back to 1917. The Gators are currently on a three-game losing streak against Kentucky since 2021, losing the last game, 33-14.
Who will take home bragging rights in the latest chapter of this historic rivalry? The Sporting News has everything you need to know about this game.
Florida vs. Kentucky start time
Florida vs. Kentucky will kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 19. The game will be played at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. It can hold up to 88,548 people.
What channel is Florida vs. Kentucky on today?
Florida vs. Kentucky will air on the SEC Network. Viewers can also stream the series on Fubo, which offers a free trial, so you can try before you buy.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $20 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Florida vs. Kentucky radio station
Listen to Florida vs. Kentucky live on SiriusXM. The Florida broadcast airs on WRUF, while the Kentucky feed will be on 630 WLAP.
Get three months of SiriusXM for just $1. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Florida football schedule 2024
Here's a look at all of Florida’s opponents in 2024, along with links to purchase tickets:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Tickets/Result |
| Sat., Aug. 31 | vs. Miami | Gainesville, FL | L (41-17) |
| Sat., Sept. 7 | vs. Samford | Gainesville, FL | W (45-7) |
| Sat., Sept. 14 | vs. Texas A&M* | Gainesville, FL | L (33-20) |
| Sat., Sept. 21 | at Mississippi State* | Starkville, MS | W (45-28) |
| Sat., Sept. 28 | OFF | ||
| Sat., Oct. 5 | vs. UCF | Gainesville, FL | W (24-13) |
| Sat., Oct. 12 | at Tennessee* | Knoxville, TN | L (23-17 OT) |
| Sat., Oct. 19 | vs. Kentucky* | Gainesville, FL | StubHub |
| Sat., Oct. 26 | OFF | ||
| Sat., Nov. 2 | vs. Georgia* | Jacksonville, FL | StubHub |
| Sat., Nov. 9 | at Texas* | Austin, TX | StubHub |
| Sat., Nov. 16 | vs. LSU* | Gainesville, FL | StubHub |
| Sat., Nov. 23 | vs. Ole Miss* | Gainesville, FL | StubHub |
| Sat., Nov. 30 | at Florida State | Tallahassee, FL | StubHub |
*SEC game
Kentucky football schedule 2024
*SEC game
Live updates: Gainesville, Alachua County residents asked to stay off roads as Milton looms
Alan Festohttps://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2024/10/09/hurricane-milton-impacts-on-gainesville-and-alachua-county/75570003007/
Gainesville and Alachua County residents were beginning to hunker down Wednesday morning ahead of the arrival of winds and rain from Hurricane Milton.According to the National Weather Service's Jacksonville office, the area is under a tropical storm warning and can expect winds between 15-25 mph with gusts to 50 mph. The area also is under a flood watch, with the storm expected to drop 1 to 3 inches of rain, possibly more, in some areas of the county.As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Milton was moving north-northeast at 16 mph with maxim...
Gainesville and Alachua County residents were beginning to hunker down Wednesday morning ahead of the arrival of winds and rain from Hurricane Milton.
According to the National Weather Service's Jacksonville office, the area is under a tropical storm warning and can expect winds between 15-25 mph with gusts to 50 mph. The area also is under a flood watch, with the storm expected to drop 1 to 3 inches of rain, possibly more, in some areas of the county.
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Milton was moving north-northeast at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. The storm is expected to approach the west coast of Florida — possibly near Sarasota — by late this evening.
More:Watch satellite, radar images of Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida
12:50 p.m. | Expected impacts on Gainesville and Alachua County
According to a news release from the county, based on its current track, Hurricane Milton will start impacting the area as early as 7 p.m. Wednesday, but most impacts will likely occur late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. The storm is expected to leave the area by 9 a.m. Thursday.
Tropical storm force winds are still expected with rainfall between 2 and 8 inches. Expect more severe weather the further south you are.
Gainesville officials decide against curfew
After sending out an email on Tuesday afternoon regarding the possibility of curfew in Gainesville during the heaviest parts of the storm, city officials on Wednesday decided against the measure.
Ward said during a press conference at GPD Headquarters, that during Hurricane Helene, about three-fourths of the city's traffic lights went dark, and that at least 13 crashes occurred at those intersections.
"We don't want that to happen again. Our goal here to encourage folks to stay off the roads. Stay off the roads during the storm, particularly when it's dark," Ward said. "I am encouraging you int he strongest language possible, regardless of what we think might happen, stay home tonight."
Gainesville general population shelter full
From Alachua County:
"The shelter at the MLK Center is full. The General Population/Pet-Friendly shelter at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, has plenty of capacity."
Special Needs Shelter:
Special needs shelters will provide one cot per patient, though we cannot guarantee cots for caregivers. Residents should bring their own bedding, prescription medications, dietary foods, spare clothing, personal care items, and identification. For transportation assistance to the special needs shelter, please call 352-955-2575.
Free Uber Rides to Shelters:
Alachua County has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters, ensuring no resident is left behind due to transportation challenges. To access this service:
Gainesville’s ‘homeless sisters and brothers’ banned from camping on public property
The Independent Florida Alligatorhttps://www.alligator.org/article/2024/10/gainesville-homelessness-bill
The last week of September marked one year of homelessness for 36-year-old Lana Wise. She often struggles to find a private place to use the bathroom, sometimes going for more than 24 hours without relief.Wise said she’s among 40 other homeless individuals that live off Southeast Fourth Place and around St. Francis House in downtown Gainesville.Now, she said she struggles to come to terms with a new bill that went into effect Oct. 1 banning encampment on public streets and property like the ones Wise spends her days and n...
The last week of September marked one year of homelessness for 36-year-old Lana Wise. She often struggles to find a private place to use the bathroom, sometimes going for more than 24 hours without relief.
Wise said she’s among 40 other homeless individuals that live off Southeast Fourth Place and around St. Francis House in downtown Gainesville.
Now, she said she struggles to come to terms with a new bill that went into effect Oct. 1 banning encampment on public streets and property like the ones Wise spends her days and nights at.
“If you don’t want us to sit on your sidewalk, and now all of a sudden it’s yours versus mine, where is it legal to?” she said through tears.
House Bill 1365, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 20, isn’t meant to eliminate homelessness, but instead ensure citizens feel safe and communities remain thriving, bill sponsor Rep. Sam Garrison (R-11) said.
“When you have situations when encampments pop up, business owners see decreased foot traffic,” he said. “It hollows out those communities for businesses, which has cascading collateral consequences. And as a result of that, you see parks being taken over and families don’t feel safe.”
Garrison said it took hours of debate and months of deliberation with city mayors to come up with the bill, which will allow Florida counties to enforce the provisions how they see fit.
Under the provisions, Florida counties can designate certain public places for encampment in a specific time period, to be approved by the Department of Children and Families.
After Jan. 1, if citizens or business owners witness unauthorized public encampment or sleeping, they can submit an affidavit to the city.
The city will then have five days to take reasonable action to remove those publicly sleeping or encamping, Garrison said. If they fail to do so, citizens or business owners can sue their local government.
The bill does not outline penalties for those sleeping and encamping on public property.
If counties do not have sufficient shelter space for those suffering from homelessness, the bill will push officials to make sure there are designated, safe and sanitary areas for public sleeping and encampment, he said.
To prepare for the influx of homeless individuals in shelters, the Florida government increased the current year’s budget by nearly 300% for emergency shelter space, Garrison said.
“I don’t know that this bill honestly changes anything about how the city of Gainesville responds to this issue [homelessness],” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward.
Instead, Ward said problems from the new bill will lie within communities that do little to nothing to support its homeless population.
Gainesville does much more than little to nothing, he said.
The city focuses on sending resources and outreach teams to those in encampments, whether that be from the city or GRACE Marketplace, to support its “homeless sisters and brothers,” Ward said.
Along with resources, the Gainesville City Commission approved a budget including $2 million for GRACE Marketplace Sept. 30.
While Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford said she’s concerned about the lack of affordable housing for homeless people, she said she’s more worried about the bill’s lack of solutions for the reasons why some people end up homeless.
“My biggest concern, quite frankly, is the fact that this bill doesn’t provide the resources that we need to deal with mental illness, which is often the root cause of many folks that are on the streets and unwilling to go to shelters,” she said.
Legislators can’t create bills like this one without a solution on the other end of the legislature, she said.
“You can’t just say, ‘You can’t be homeless,’” Alford said.
Alford said she thinks the new legislation will instead push the homeless away from safety and into more isolated camps.
For Isaac Butler, who takes residence across from St. Francis House off of South Main Street, this structure of homelessness on public streets and property isn’t a bad thing, because it helps each individual get back on their feet, he said.
“Some people have never slept outside a day in their life… They’re like ‘Oh no, what do I do?’” Butler said. “Well, you eat here at 7, you get your stuff there… this is how you come back from that [homelessness].”
In order to not displace others like himself, Butler urges for more thought on this bill.
“We should have more reflections on the legislation,” he said.
Mahadi Khan, a 41-year-old worker at Food Max Foodie Store, a convenience store homeless individuals often camp in front of, said he’s in favor of the new legislation because it will stop those encamping from disturbing individuals.
“Gainesville is a beautiful place for living, for study,” Khan said. “But when I see homeless people without shelter, I feel a little bit of shame because they are disturbing people.”
Despite his support of the bill, Khan urges the city to take action in favor of these individuals in front of his place of work.
While homeless individuals and business owners struggle over the new changes, the bill won’t be enforceable until Jan. 1, when citizens can submit affidavits to their local government if they see unauthorized public encampment.
“I want to say to the Gainesville community — please do something for all of them, they need shelter,” Khan said.
Contact Kairi Lowery at klowery@alligator.org. Follow her on X @kairiloweryy.
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Live updates: Helene causes widespread power outages, downed trees in Alachua County
Alan Festohttps://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2024/09/27/live-updates-on-hurricane-helene-in-alachua-county-and-gainesville/75408446007/
Tens of thousands of Gainesville and Alachua County residents on Friday morning were without power following high winds from Hurricane Helene.Helene made landf...
Tens of thousands of Gainesville and Alachua County residents on Friday morning were without power following high winds from Hurricane Helene.
Helene made landfall just after 11 p.m. Thursday near Perry — about 100 miles from Gainesville — packing winds up to 140 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Downed trees blocked major roadways, including eastbound Newberry Road west of Interstate 75. Damaged and tangled power lines could be seen throughout much of the county.
Hurricane Helene live updates:1 million without power in Florida, sewers disabled in St. Pete
Power outages update
Power outages as of 7 p.m. Friday.
City of Gainesville parks and trails
Possum Creek Park, Tom Petty Park and Depot Park are all open and clear of safety hazards, according to a Facebook post from the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department.
The playground at Albert Ray Massey Park (Westside) is closed due to fallen tree limbs. All nature parks are closed until further notice.
Number of power outages slowly falling in Alachua County
Power outages as of 4:45 p.m. Friday
Alachua County waste collection
The Leveda Brown Environmental Park and the five Rural Collection Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Residents who typically receive waste collection services at their homes on Thursdays will have their waste collected this Saturday. Regular collection schedules and operating hours will resume next week.
Shelters in Alachua County being combined into one
Alachua County's two general-population pet-friendly shelters and its special-needs shelter are being combined into one location effective immediately.
All those in need of shelter should go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center at 1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville.
Road closures in Alachua County
Alachua County power outages
Power outages as of noon Friday.
Alachua County residents asked to stay off roadways
Alachua County Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete on Friday morning told The Sun that "people should stay home."
"We're still opening up roadways. We have quite a few roadways that are blocked because of power lines still. Quite frankly, it's really not safe for folks to be out and about. We are hoping to have all the roads — depending on the power line companies — all the roads at least open — not cleared — hopefully before dark," Gavarrete said. "The army of power line trucks should be arriving soon."
Many traffic signals in the county remain out. Drivers are reminded to treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as a four-stop.
GRU issues statement on power outages
The following statement was provided to the The Sun by GRU Communications Director David Warm:
"We are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but the storm was powerful enough to take out two transmission lines, which is an unusual event. We’re working on restoring power to those lines in addition to several wires down and multiple other outages. In addition to GRU’s line crews, we have mutual aid assistance from Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth Beach Utilities, Leesburg Utility Services and Lubbock Power & Light. We also have additional trees crews assisting. On the water/wastewater side, numerous lift stations are without power, so we ask customers to limit water use as much as possible. As always, we will continue working until all services are restored."
High Springs road closure
U.S. 27 at Northwest 234th Street in High Springs is closed due to downed power lines. Avoid the area.
Large tree falls in Newberry cemetery
Shelters in Alachua County
Here is a breakdown of those who checked into a shelter in Alachua County on Thursday:
Power outages in Alachua County
Power outages as of 10 a.m. Friday.
Disclaimer:
