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Image From Tallahassee

City Service Changes for Emancipation Day Holiday

May 13, 2026

The City of Tallahassee’s administrative offices will be closed in observance of the Emancipation Day holiday on Wednesday, May 20. Following are service schedule changes for the week of May 17-23 for solid waste customers living inside the Tallahassee city limits (blue week), StarMetro, Tallahassee Animal Services and City-run community centers.

Ways to Commemorate Florida’s Emancipation Day

Throughout the month of May, there are many ways to commemorate Florida’s Emancipation Day. The City of Tallahassee proudly supports the 20th of May – Emancipation in Florida project, presented by the Knott House Museum and John G. Riley Center & Museum. Emancipation Day events, free and open to the public, include:

  • 10 a.m. – John G. Riley Center & Museum Civil War Commemorative Service at the Old City Cemetery, 400 W. Park Ave.
  • 11 a.m. – Church bell ringing throughout Tallahassee
  • 11:30 a.m. – Emancipation Day program featuring a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave., followed by lunch and activities in Lewis Park
  • 2-4 p.m. – Museums open for tours, including John G. Riley Center & Museum (419 E. Jefferson St.), The Grove Museum (902 N. Monroe St.), Union Bank Museum (219 Apalachee Pkwy) and Florida Historic Capitol Museum (400 S. Monroe St.)

For more information about Emancipation Day events, visit 20thofMay.com.

Garbage and Recycling Collection

During the holiday week, some residential customers will receive garbage and recycling service one day later than regularly scheduled. This includes garbage, recycling, bulky items and yard waste, which will impact blue week customers:

  • Monday customers ► No change
  • Tuesday customers ► No change
  • Wednesday customers ► Thursday, May 21
  • Thursday customers ► Friday, May 22
  • Friday customers ► Saturday, May 23

Garbage and recycling containers should both be rolled behind the curb the night before the service day, with both containers returned to the home no later than the day after collection. Bulky items and yard waste should be placed behind the curb no earlier than the weekend before your collection day.

To look up collection dates for specific addresses, please visit Talgov.com. For more information, call 850-891-4968.

StarMetro Routes

StarMetro, the City's mass transit system, will operate a regular schedule with night service for the holiday on Wednesday, May 20. Dial-A-Ride will operate from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Call Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Appleyard Front Desk and administrative offices will be closed. For more information, visit Talgov.com/StarMetro or call 850-891-5200.

Animal Services

The Animal Service Center will be closed on Wednesday, May 20. Normal hours will resume on Thursday, May 21, with the center opening at 10 a.m. for appointments and from 1-5 p.m. for walk-in kennel viewings. Customers needing more information, including photos of animals available for adoption and to report lost and found pets, may visit Talgov.com/Animals.

City Animal Control will be available for emergency situations only on Wednesday, May 20, and can be reached via the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at 850-606-5800.

City-run Community Centers

Community centers operated by the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department will be closed Wednesday, May 20. Centers will resume normal hours on Thursday, May 21.

To learn more about the various community centers and what they offer, visit Talgov.com/Parks.

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