UPDATE: Leon County Holiday Closures and Service Changes for
Florida Emancipation Day
The following advisory has been updated to include information on the library branch’s closure times for Tuesday, May 19.
The following closures and service changes will occur on Wednesday, May 20, in observance of the Florida Emancipation Day holiday. In 2020, Leon County became the first county in Florida to recognize Florida Emancipation Day as an official County holiday.
Closed Wednesday, May 20
Leon County offices
Leon County libraries
Leon County community centers
Leon County Animal Control
Leon County Solid Waste and Household Hazardous Waste Center
Remain Open for the Holidays
Learn About Florida Emancipation Day with Library Resources
Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee-Leon County on May 20, 1865, eleven days after the end of the American Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed those enslaved in Southern states. The Proclamation was read by Union General Edward M. McCook from the steps of the Knott House, effectively ending slavery in the state of Florida.
Learn something new about Florida’s history and the events that shaped our community with engaging programming, thematic book lists, movie watchlists, and other resources available through the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System. Visit LeonCountyFL.gov/EmancipationDay for more information.
The library will host events for all ages recognizing Florida Emancipation Day.
Looking Back at Florida Emancipation Day, Thursday, May 14, 5-6 p.m., Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library — Discover the unique history behind the events of May 20 with educators from the Museum of Florida History.
Uncovering the Past: Florida’s Hidden History, Tuesday, May 26, 6-7:30 p.m., Leon County Main Library — Attend a screening of Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots, a documentary exploring the region’s overlooked history. Following the film, director Valerie Scoon of Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts will share insights and lead a discussion on the stories, people, and places that shaped our community.
Additional Service Information
All LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library branches will close on Tuesday, May 19, at 8 p.m. The downtown Main Library will close on Tuesday, May 19, at 9 p.m. All libraries will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, May 21.
The Solid Waste Management Center on Apalachee Parkway will close on Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. and resume regular operating hours on Thursday, May 21.
Residential waste collection routes will be delayed one day for citizens whose normal pick-up day is during the holiday. Waste Pro’s holiday schedule can be found at WasteProUSA.com. For more information, call the Leon County Solid Waste Management Division at 850-606-1800.
In the event of an animal-related emergency, service is available by calling the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at 850-606-5800. Leon County Animal Control encourages residents only to use this service to report dangerous or aggressive dogs, sick or injured domestic animals, and animal cruelty. Injured wildlife calls will be forwarded to the St. Francis Wildlife Association at 850-627-4151.
For more information, please contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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