In the aftermath of the recent storm, the City of Tampa has made the removal of debris its primary mission.
The impact of the storm is starkly evident on O’Brien Street in Port Tampa, where debris is a common sight. Resident Joe Phillip noted that while his home remained intact, some of his elderly neighbors weren’t as fortunate. This sight is a common one across the area, prompting urgent action from city authorities.
According to Mayor Jane Castor, an estimated one million cubic yards of debris needs to be cleared—equivalent to nearly 10,000 football fields—a task that requires immense effort and patience. Castor has emphasized that despite the significant challenge, the city aims to clear all debris within 90 days, focusing initially on the hardest-hit areas and prioritizing household debris over vegetative waste. “We can’t push a button and remove all of this debris,” Castor remarked, urging residents to be patient as they tackle this enormous task.
FEMA has pledged to cover all costs related to debris removal during this 90-day period, alleviating a potential financial burden on the city. A new city website is set to launch soon, offering residents updates on when their streets will be serviced.
Residents have been asked to assist in the clean-up efforts. Those who are able can transport debris to designated city sites themselves. Alternatively, if residents are placing debris at the curb, they should create separate piles for tree debris, household items, and bulky objects. Larry Washington, the city’s solid waste director, explained that this separation is essential for efficient collection.
Back on O’Brien Street, residents like Phillips understand that clean-up efforts will take time. “It’s just a force of nature,” Phillips stated, reflecting a sentiment of resilience and acceptance among the community.
As Tampa embarks on this large-scale debris removal effort, cooperation between city officials and residents will be crucial to restoring normalcy efficiently.
Source: ABC Action News
