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Effort Gaining Steam: Estimated 350K Cubic Yards Of Storm Debris To Be Picked Up

    After struggling with its original contractor and having to make a change, Lake County officials this week voiced optimism that its storm debris pickup efforts are on the right track.  The county estimates it has now picked up around two-thirds of the debris left from Hurricane Milton's pass over the area.
    "As of today, we have about 80-85% of our first pass complete," said county manager Jennifer Barker on Monday, outlining a program that features over 30 trucks on the road working to get the estimated 350,000 cubic yards of storm debris off roadsides.
    Barker outlined a program that hopes to nearly complete a full pickup by mid-January, the deadline for the county to qualify for 100% reimbursement from FEMA for its debris removal expenses. Barker said there is a likelihood the county could fall just short of being completely finished.
    “We may not get quite done,” she said.
    Some county residents have felt the pickup has been going slowly, too slowly in some cases.  The county was slowed immediately after the storm due to its contracted debris collection firm being unable to fully mobilize in the county.  Once the county got started, its methodical approach has left some areas waiting even longer to see a debris truck.
    Barker said the county started in the east Lake County areas, including Pine Lakes and Sorrento, where debris was among the heaviest.  Afterward, the rest of north Lake, including Astor, Altoona, and areas around Umatilla received a first pass, with other parts of the county following.  Barker said setting up locations to drop the debris after it is collected also had to be arranged, with locations in Lady Lake and South Lake recently coming on board.
    “South Lake has a way to go,” Barker said of the current state of collection. 
    Barker advised residents who have seen a debris collection truck in their area but not their debris picked up to try and be patient, as the project is still in its 'first pass' phase, meaning contractors will be back through to make more collections. 
    The effort is also being impacted by non-storm-related debris being added to piles or roadsides.
    “People are adding to the piles, so it’s taking even longer.”
    Going forward, anyone who thinks they have been missed can email the county at solidwaste@lakecountyfl.gov or lakecountyfl.gov/trash-recycling/milton to add their name to a list for follow-up. 
    “We will make sure they aren’t missed,” she said.
    However, Barker said the county is confident it will get to everyone.