Leon County Holiday Closures and Service Changes for Florida Emancipation Day
The following closures and service changes will occur on Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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
- Leon County Parks and Recreation facilities (parks, greenways, campgrounds, and boat landings)
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 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.
On Wednesday, May 14, at 6 p.m., celebrate Florida Emancipation Day with Leon County Government at the Leon County Main Library for the "Honoring Our History: Florida’s Emancipation Day" event. Attendees will discover Emancipation Day’s connection to local historical sites through engaging discussions featuring educators from the Museum of Florida History. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/EmancipationDay.
Additionally, the Henry Hill Foundation will celebrate freedom and community at its annual Florida Emancipation Day Celebration on Saturday, May 17, from 1-7 p.m. at Henry Hill Park, 1835 Centerville Road. During this family-friendly event, learn about the rich history of Emancipation Day in Florida while enjoying an afternoon filled with food, music, drum beating, wrapping the maypole, dancing, and more.
Additional Service Information
All LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library branches will close on Sunday, May 18, at 6 p.m. The downtown Main Library will close on Monday, May 19, at 9 p.m. All libraries will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, May 21.
The Solid Waste Management Center on Apalachee Parkway will close on Monday, May 19, at 5 p.m. and resume regular operating hours on Wednesday, 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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