News Summary
Jacksonville residents are facing challenging times as trash fees are set to increase dramatically from $151 to $324, with an eventual rise to $384 by 2027. On top of this, a winter storm warning has been issued for the area, bringing potential icy conditions and travel disruptions. Residents are advised to take precautions, as warming centers will be available for those in need. Stay warm and safe as the city navigates these dual challenges.
Jacksonville Faces a Double Whammy: Trash Fee Hikes and Harsh Winter Weather!
Hey there, Jacksonville residents! It looks like we have quite a bit going on in our vibrant city these days. Let’s dive into some important updates that will affect our community, from the trash we toss out to the icy conditions looming outside!
Trash Fees Set to Increase Dramatically
In a move that’s sure to grab the attention of many households, the Jacksonville City Council has voted to raise trash fees this year from $151 to a staggering $324. But hold onto your hats, because by 2027, those fees are expected to climb even higher to an eye-popping $384! To ease the transition, there will be gradual increases over the next two years, allowing everyone a little time to adjust.
If you’re worried the increase might hit your wallet too hard, fear not! Households that earn up to 150% of the federal poverty level will have their trash fees capped right at the current rate of $151. For a family of four, this means that if your total income is pegged at or below $48,225 per year, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you’ll still pay the same amount.
By the way, there’s good news for those concerned about stormwater fees because a similar exemption exists, meaning many families can qualify for both solid waste and stormwater fee exemptions. Talk about a little extra help!
Just a heads up, though—the adjusted garbage fee will kick in on the next tax bill, but the changes still need to pass through a public hearing and get a final vote from the City Council in May and June before everything is official.
Get Ready for a Cold Shock!
If the trash fee hike wasn’t startling enough, Jacksonville is also bracing for some extreme winter weather! A winter storm warning has been issued for the entire downtown area, reaching all the way to the Beaches and into coastal Nassau County. The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on things, issuing alerts about expected ice accumulation and travel disruptions along areas like Interstate 10 into the Suwannee River valley. Yikes!
It’s going to get cold, folks! Temperatures are set to plunge, with lows dipping into the upper 20s across Northeast Florida. With wind chills, it could feel even colder! Isn’t that just the perfect recipe for staying indoors?
Stay Safe and Warm
To keep the community safe during this chilly weather, a state of emergency has been declared by Governor DeSantis, which includes calling on the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard if necessary. If you’re in need of warmth, warming centers will be open across Jacksonville, including The Legends Center and city libraries, through 9 a.m. on Saturday. It’s open to anyone who may need a little refuge from the cold!
As for what to expect, total snow and sleet accumulations could reach up to one inch, while ice could accumulate between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch. This mix won’t just affect our commutes, but it could also impact utilities, so be sure to charge up your phones and keep a flashlight handy.
In case you need a history lesson on our coldest temps, Jacksonville has seen lows of 7 degrees on January 21, 1985, and 19 degrees on January 20, 1985. While we’re not expecting temperatures that harsh this time, it’s definitely a good idea to be cautious.
Prepare for a Breezy Weekend!
With the Winter Weather Advisory in effect for St. Johns County and eastern Putnam County from 1 a.m. until 10 a.m., it’s wise to be cautious about routines and travel plans. Whether you’re stocking up on hot cocoa or planning a snuggly movie day at home, stay safe and warm this weekend, Jacksonville!
That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates, and keep yourselves cozy in this stormy weather.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Mayor Rejects Controversial Trash Rate Increase
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Winter Storm Warning Expanded
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- News4Jax: Cold Weather Advisory
- Google Search: Jacksonville Weather Advisory
- First Coast News: Winter Storm Warning
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact Jacksonville
- Action News Jax: First Alert Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Jacksonville.com: Snow in Jacksonville Forecast
- Google News: Jacksonville Weather
