Although applications for private property debris removal are no longer accepted, at today’s Town Council meeting, it was announced that the right of way removal service for hurricane-related debris has been extended until further notice. This service has been provided by the State of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
This means that property owners who live on the Town’s side streets (not Estero Boulevard) can continue to place heavy storm-related debris curbside in the right of way for free pick up until notice is given otherwise. Contractors with FDEM will continue to collect this debris. Lee County was responsible for debris pick up on Estero Boulevard and that service ended on March 1.
According to CrowderGulf’s Regional Manager Barton Holmes, who presented at today’s meeting, more than 1.1 million cubic yards of debris has been collected from the right of way since Hurricane Ian. This is about 28,714 truck loads. More than 55,000 pounds of “dirty sand” was collected, and about 25,000 pounds was able to be cleaned and returned to the beach.
FDEM is no longer accepting applications from private and commercial property owners to remove eligible debris, vehicles, vessels, and other title property. For information about an application submitted prior to the March 29 deadline, please call 850-961-2002, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Waterways debris removal contractors vetted by the Florida Division of Emergency Management have been cleaning Hurricane Ian debris from public waterways for several months. No deadline has yet been set for this work to end.
Household trash pickup is operating on a regular schedule. For questions about pickups, contact Waste Management at 239-334-1224.