TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said about 150,000 cubic yards of debris have been picked up around the city following Hurricane Milton.
She equated that to "about 800 very large truckloads," at a news conference Wednesday morning.
At the conference, she and other city officials gave an update about debris collection and shared tips with residents as they recover from the storm.
Solid Waste Director Larry Washington said crews are working around the clock to collect debris. He said 150 people are collecting and over 100 contractors helping haul it away.
“Please be patient with us. We are collecting debris from the entire city, not just pockets of it," he said at the conference.
He said residents need to have their debris in three separate piles of vegetative, furniture and appliances placed curbside without blocking the road or storm drains. The piles also need to have a three-foot clearance on all sides.
Washington pointed to the debris collection map on the city's website so residents know where staff is at with debris clearing. Contractors who are interested in debris hauling can also use that webpage to contact the prime contractors.
Interim-Administrator of Development and Growth Management Abbye Feeley talked about permitting during the conference.
The city has waived permit fees associated with storm damage repairs. Things like replacing floors, fixing fences, cabinets and countertops don't need permits. Feeley also said a dry-wall repair of 24 inches or less from the floorboard does not need a permit. However, someone with water damage above their electrical sockets will need an electrical permit.
You can see what needs/does not need a permit here.
Feeley advised residents to use a licensed contractor and get three estimates for repairs to make sure they are getting competitive prices.
You can drop off debris at the McKay Bay Facility with proof of an active solid waste residential account and an ID. They are accepting household appliances, furniture, yard waste, toilets and grills.
Vegetative debris can be dropped off at two locations:
- 22nd Street Park (7801 N 22nd St.)
- Gadsden Park (6901 S MacDill Ave)
Both locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
"Take advantage of the drop-off sites," Washington urged residents.
Castor also pointed to the Florida Attorney General's price-gouging hotline. This is when scammers try to take advantage of victims and put excessive prices on essential commodities such as equipment, food and hotel rooms.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it on MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 866-9NO-SCAM.
