MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 18, 2022) – In just the first 10 days of after-Ian pick-ups across Manatee County, an estimated 122,788 cubic yards of post-storm debris has been transported from curb lines and rights of way to debris-management sites.
That much debris—spread over a football-field—would produce a stack or sticks, twigs, trees, branches and leaves some five-and-a-half stories high.
But there is still more to do.
Residents who worked through the post Irma clean-up five years ago may remember that it took almost three months to remove debris from that storm. An earlier start and quicker response this time has county leaders optimistic that they can collect an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 cubic yards of debris—sooner than later.
“We are already way ahead of schedule,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “We are making really good progress.”
Residents may sense that some neighborhoods and parts of the county are being cleared of debris at a different pace than others. This is often based on the amount and type of debris needing removal. Please know that contractors are working with county staff to ensure all areas are adequately serviced at the best possible pace.