Call Before You Dig: St. Johns County Highlights 811 Day on August 11

• 11 August 2026
• Category: SJC News Public Safety
• Tags: Utilities 2026

County urges residents to dial 811 before digging to prevent damage, service disruptions, and injuries

St. Johns County reminds residents and contractors to call 811 before digging as part of 811 Day on August 11, a national awareness campaign focused on public safety and preventing damage to underground utilities.

Digging without knowing what lies below can lead to serious and costly consequences, including power outages, fires, explosions, and injuries. Even shallow projects such as planting trees or installing fences can damage buried electric, gas, or telecommunications lines.

Florida ranks worst in the nation for damaged underground utility lines, with an average of 93 underground utility line strikes happening every day. This equates to nearly 34,000 strikes per year.

The St. Johns County Utilities Department works alongside Sunshine 811 to protect the County’s water, sewer, and reclaimed water infrastructure, as well as to promote public safety. When 811 is contacted, Sunshine 811 notifies member utilities (including St. Johns County Utilities) so underground lines can be located and marked before digging begins. Visit the St. Johns County Utility Department page to learn more, or watch the video to learn about St. Johns County Utilities locates.

Residents and contractors can request this free service by calling 811 or visiting Sunshine811.com and clicking “Create a Ticket.” Utility operators then have two full business days to mark or clear lines.

Six Steps for Safe Digging

1. Plan your project – Determine the location, scope, and timeline before contacting 811.
2. Contact 811 – Call or submit a ticket online and keep your ticket number for reference.
3. Wait for marks – Utilities operators have two business days to respond and mark their lines.
4. Confirm responses – Review your ticket for updates from each utility.
5. Verify markings – Ensure that flags or paint match the colors and locations listed on your ticket.
6. Dig with care – Stay at least 24 inches from marked lines and use caution in the tolerance zone.

If you damage a utility line, contact the utility company immediately and do not attempt to repair it yourself.

To learn more about the St. Johns County Utilities Department and its services, visit the St. Johns County Utility Department page. For more information about safe digging and Florida’s 811 process, visit Sunshine811.com.