Following Hurricane Helene, St. Pete Beach has been diligently working on debris removal to restore the city to its pre-storm condition. This report provides an update on the progress of these efforts as of December 10, 2024.
Significant progress has been made in collecting and processing storm-related debris. As of the latest report, a total of 213,488 cubic yards of debris, equivalent to 3,603 loads, has been collected and staged at Egan Park. From this staging area, 64,247 tons of debris, representing 725 loads, have been hauled to the landfill for proper disposal. These operations have been ongoing for 51 days, demonstrating the sustained effort dedicated to the cleanup process.
Image alt text: Heavy machinery loading storm debris into a dump truck at Egan Park in St. Pete Beach, highlighting the ongoing Hurricane Helene debris removal.
The debris removal process encompasses various types of waste to ensure comprehensive cleanup. Residents are reminded of the guidelines for separating debris to facilitate efficient collection:
- Electronic Waste: Items such as computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and televisions should be placed in a separate pile. This categorization ensures environmentally sound handling of electronic components.
- Construction and Demolition Debris: This category includes materials resulting from storm damage to structures, such as carpets, furniture, shingles, and fencing. Multiple collection passes are scheduled to remove all construction and demolition related debris left at the curb.
- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, logs, and plants are classified as vegetative debris. It is important not to bag this type of debris; it should be left at the curb for collection. Multiple passes will also be conducted for vegetative debris removal.
- Appliances: Household appliances can be placed at the curb for collection after ensuring all food items have been removed. Appliances will be picked up in separate passes.
Image alt text: Piles of mixed storm debris, including branches and construction materials, lined up along a curb in a residential area of St. Pete Beach after Hurricane Helene.
The City of St. Pete Beach continues to provide regular updates on the debris removal progress through daily reports. These reports offer detailed information on the ongoing operations and can be accessed through the provided links for those seeking more granular data. The commitment to efficient and thorough debris removal reflects St. Pete Beach’s dedication to community recovery following Hurricane Helene.
