Keep Putnam Beautiful

05/25/2026

05/13/2026

Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declared 🚨

The St. Johns River Water Management District is issuing a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration due to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced surface water flows across northeast and central Florida.

💧 Current restrictions include:
✅ Landscape irrigation limited to 1 day per week
✅ No irrigation between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
✅ Restrictions tightened for new plantings and sod
✅ Golf course fairway irrigation limited to 1 day per week
✅ Aesthetic water use prohibited
✅ Additional restrictions on pressure washing and other non-essential water uses

The water shortage order is also being expanded into the District’s portion of Lake County.

We are urging all residents, businesses, and institutions to conserve water and eliminate unnecessary water use as drought conditions continue.

🌊 View the complete water shortage order, watering schedules, and water conservation tips here: https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/

Lake County Florida Marion County, Florida Flagler County Government Putnam County Emergency Management Alachua County St. Johns County Duval County Emergency Management

Because Florida water—it’s worth saving. 💙

05/02/2026

Congratulations to John Browning Jr., our Keep Putnam Beautiful board member on last night's Lifetime Achievement Award given to him at The Republican Lincoln Dinner. Browning shown here with his children Lorrie, Amy, and Jay Browning.

04/25/2026

Today!

🚨 Toxic Round-Up Event – April 25 🚨

Got household hazardous waste? We’ve got you covered.

Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Putnam County Landfill (140 County Landfill Rd., Palatka) for our upcoming Toxic Round-Up event.

This service is FREE for residents and helps safely dispose of items such as:
• Paints & solvents
• Used oil & lubricants
• Batteries
• Pesticides
• Electronics and more

Help keep our community safe and our environment clean by disposing of these materials properly.

For more information, visit: alachuacountyhazwaste.us or call 386-329-1201

04/14/2026

🔥BURN BAN IN EFFECT🔥
April 14, 2026

Unincorporated Putnam County has issued a burn ban starting Tuesday, April 14, through Tuesday, April 21. On April 21, conditions will be reevaluated.

As of April 14, the entirety of Putnam County is in extreme drought.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index for the county is 479. KBDI estimates the dryness of the soil and duff layers.
Relative humidity for the week is expected to be low, particularly at the end of the week.
According to the NWS, no precipitation is expected in the next 7 days.

What is not allowed during the burn ban?
🔥Outdoor burning (with exceptions, listed below)
🎆Use of explosive or combustible compounds
🚗Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
🚭Throwing ci******es or matches

What IS allowed?
🌭Outdoor grills used in preparing food
🌲Activities for which a valid state open burn authorization has been issued by the Florida Forest Service

Decisions on issuing burn bans are a collaborative discussion between the county, Putnam County Fire Rescue, and Florida Forest Service.

02/25/2026

3/14! Bring them in!

♻️ Waste Tire Amnesty Day — Free Tire Disposal for Putnam County Residents ♻️

Putnam County residents are invited to take part in Waste Tire Amnesty Day, a one-day opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted tires at no cost while helping keep our community clean and environmentally safe.

📅 Saturday, March 14
⏰ 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Waste tires are not only unsightly — they can also pose serious health and environmental hazards. This event provides residents with a convenient way to properly dispose of tires and reduce mosquito breeding areas throughout our community.

✅ Must provide proof of Putnam County residency
✅ Up to 20 car or light truck tires per resident
✅ Tires must be clean and free of debris
❌ No rims
❌ No commercial loads accepted

📍 Locations:
• Central Landfill — 140 County Landfill Rd., Palatka
• Huntington Collection Center — 1551 County Road 308, Crescent City
• Interlachen Collection Center — 111 Hickory Lane, Interlachen

📞 Questions? Call 386-329-0395

Let’s work together to keep Putnam County clean and safe!

01/13/2026

🌳 Town of Interlachen Celebrates Florida Arbor Day! 🌳
Join us this Friday, January 16, for a special event at Dickerman Hall:

✅ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🌱 Short program followed by a tree planting and FREE tree giveaway

Trees available: Sweetgum, Bald Cypress, Dahoon Holly, Shumard Oak
🌟 Free trees provided by the Florida Forest Service

📍 Dickerman Hall
311 Atlantic Ave, Interlachen, FL 32148

🌿 Master Gardener Volunteers will be available to answer your gardening, landscaping, and tree questions throughout the event.

Come celebrate Arbor Day and take home a tree to grow in your yard!

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01/09/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Designated Truck Route Enforcement

The Palatka Police Department would like to remind commercial motor vehicle operators that tractor trailers are required to utilize designated truck routes within the City of Palatka.
aim to improve traffic flow, enhance roadway safety, and protect residential and high-traffic areas from unnecessary congestion by heavy vehicles

🚫 Tractor trailers are NOT permitted to travel on Crill Avenue / State Road 20 outside of local deliveries.

Palatka Police Department officers will be actively enforcing this regulation. Enforcement efforts are intended to improve traffic flow, enhance roadway safety, and protect residential and high-traffic areas from unnecessary heavy vehicle congestion.

Commercial drivers are urged to follow posted signage and utilize the appropriate, designated truck routes.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

We appreciate the cooperation of the trucking community and the public as we work together to keep our roadways safe.

01/09/2026

All around the county.

🌳 Arbor Day is happening all across Putnam County 🌳
Join us for one of five family-friendly celebrations as we plant trees, learn about tree care, and give away free Shumard oak, Dahoon holly, Bald cypress and Sweet gum trees while supplies last.

📅 Event Schedule
• Fri Jan 9 | 4 PM to 5 PM
Pomona Park,
Willard Hazen Ball Park,
370 Pleasant St., Pomona Park Fl, 32181

• Sat Jan 10 | 2 PM to 3 PM
Welaka,
Downtown Park,
101 Palmetto St, Welaka, FL 32193

• Fri Jan 16 | 10 AM to 11 AM
City of Palatka and St. Johns River State College,
St. Johns River State College, Valhalla Hall
5001 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL. 32177

• Fri Jan 16 | 2 PM to 3 PM
Town of Interlachen,
Dickerman Hall,
311 Atlantic Ave, Interlachen, FL., 32148

• Sat Jan 17 | 10 AM to 2 PM
Crescent City,
Eva Lyon Park,
100 S Summit St, Crescent City, FL, 32112

Come celebrate trees, community and environmental stewardship. Bring the family and take home a tree to grow for years to come!

01/06/2026

Come on out for a Angel's Burger and check out these amazing cars!