TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Debris management contractors throughout Treasure Island recently got much-needed help in Hurricane Milton and Helene's wake.
The city collaborated with the county, the Governor's office and FEMA to effectively quadruple its debris collection efforts, officials told 10 Tampa Bay in an emailed press release.
"This will completely expedite the collection of debris left behind by Hurricanes Helene and Milton," officials said. "These debris management contractors will join those already on Treasure Island, helping speed up the debris collection process. The contractors will collect debris daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m."
The city is rushing to collect the debris to meet FEMA's 90-day deadline for 100% reimbursement to ensure resident taxpayers get the most cost-effective service. But, the process may take longer than anticipated since both hurricanes hit within weeks of each other.
"90 days, 100%. It's time to get after it, no excuses," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie at a recent press conference. "We've cut the red tape, we've cut the hours of operation. We're going 24/7, we've weighed weights and measures. We can keep trucks moving."
Contractors are also barred from collecting some debris.
"Contractors will not collect appliances, regular trash/recycling, household chemicals, or electronics," the city said. "Currently, they can also not collect debris from commercial properties, including condominiums."
Officials asked residents to keep pathways to debris piles clear and ensure vehicles are off roads when debris trucks enter neighborhoods to streamline the collection process.
The news comes just three days after Gov. Ron DeSantis said local governments are now required to report the number of cubic yards of debris contractors remove every day. The numbers will reportedly be posted on a portal for accountability and to monitor progress.