Gainesville city officials offer free tarps

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -Officials of the City of Gainesville will give away more than 1,000 emergency roof tarps to residents while supplies last.

"Operation Blue Tarp" will provide a limit of two tarps free for each neighbor.

The distribution will occur at the former RTS administration facility near Depot Park.

There will be four distribution times.

Friday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

City officials also said they expect several weeks to collect all the debris left in the community after Hurricane Helene, but disaster debris services are expected to begin Monday.

Neighbors are being asked to place all yard waste curbside as soon as possible.

For those living in gated communities, HOAs must contact the city's public works department at 352-334-2330 or to complete a right-of-entry agreement.

Regular branch weight and diameter requirements have been waived but city officials ask that homeowners work to keep the length of each branch to 5 feet.