Recovery Efforts Progress Following Hurricane Idalia

Power Restoration on Track to be Substantially Complete by End of Day Thursday

August 30, 2023

Hurricane Idalia knocked out electricity to 35 percent of the City of Tallahassee’s customers, and based on current assessments, crews will achieve substantial completion of restoration by end of day tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 31. Work to evaluate the full extent of storm damage, including to the power grid, continues while repairs and restoration is underway. The City’s electric utility more than tripled its resources with support from mutual aid and will continue to work through the night to restore power. To help ensure the pace at which restoration is occurring, additional mutual aid crews will arrive in Tallahassee this evening, Aug. 30. As of 2:30 p.m. today, 42,500 customers have been restored.

The City’s administrative offices will remain closed through Thursday to allow essential staff to support post-storm recovery efforts.

Solid waste pickup for residential and commercial customers will resume on Thursday, Aug. 31. Collection will shift by one day this week.

• Wednesday customers ► Thursday, August 31
• Thursday customers ► Friday, September 1
• Friday customers ► Saturday, September 2

To assist citizens impacted by Hurricane Idalia, recreational programs and facilities operated by the City will resume on Thursday, including community centers, which will provide residents in need with a place to cool off.

StarMetro’s fixed route bus service will resume tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 31. Since Florida State University remains closed, the Seminole Express will not operate. Visit Talgov.com/StarMetro for route information.

The City’s 24/7 online permitting system (City Works) allows Growth Management to issue permits through web-based email, which means permits can be applied for and issued remotely. This provides flexibility for permitting during the post-storm period. With the City’s online permit portal, sub trade (roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and gas) contractors can pull permits online any time.

For questions about emergency repairs, please contact the Growth Management Department's Building Inspection Customer Service Center at 850-891-7001, option 2, or via email at permits@talgov.com.

As a reminder, when using a contractor, you should always make sure that a contractor is licensed by the State of Florida. The licensing process protects property owners from incompetent, dishonest or predatory workers. A list of licensed contractors can be found at www.myfloridalicense.com or by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395.

Additional updates about Hurricane Idalia response and recovery efforts will be posted on Talgov.com.