Jakony Tribune. Continue Reading at - WFLA
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — People all across coastal Sarasota County are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
In neighborhoods impacted, there’s furniture, flooring, drywall, electronics and other belongings stacked up along the street curb.
Starting Wednesday, contractors will begin storm debris removal, but not for all county residents. The county shared the map below highlighting the barrier island areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that will receive the service.
Residents on barrier islands need to separate their storm debris into different categories including construction/demolition materials, furniture/mattresses, and major household appliances. All storm-related debris needs to be placed apart from regular garbage on the curb.
Residents who are not on the barrier islands, must follow normal curbside collection protocols. View the Solid Waste How-To Guide for Residents for details. County officials say if your items are not property prepared, they will not be collected.
County officials told 8 On Your Side there are some exceptions to the map and messaging shared with residents a few days ago.
News Channel 8 learned that after hearing from residents in Englewood who were devastated by storm surge, but were told storm debris collection contractors would not be coming by their neighborhood because they lived on the mainland.
Anna Lee Williams said she contacted the county multiple times asking for help after learning her Englewood neighborhood needed to follow normal curbside pick up protocol. She said she never received a call back.
“I feel forgotten and we need help,” Williams said. “We are not afraid of the hard work, but the big bulk items that we cannot pick up that we don’t have the equipment to pick up are in the way of us continuing our work and getting back to life.”
After contacting the county on the Williams’ family’s behalf, News Channel 8 was told their property will receive the storm debris collection services after all. Sarasota County says its solid waste crews have been working hard to identify additional areas that need help with clean up and those residents will be notified.
Anyone with questions about whether their property on the mainland will be included can call 311.
