Gov. Rick Scott says slow cleanup of debris left over from Hurricane Irma is causing big problems around the Sunshine State.
On Thursday, Scott warned debris removal contractors Florida would be no-nonsense when it came to removing debris, which has been getting in the way of allowing families to return back to their homes following the monster storm.
Scott had been receiving complaints from county administrators, city mayors and other local elected officials about debris removal contractors “not performing their duties” to remove debris per their pre-storm contracts.
Hurricane Irma lashed Florida with high-speed winds and torrential rainfall earlier this month, bringing widespread destruction across the state. Debris from trees and buildings quickly became a concern after the storm subsided since it could be a hindrance to restoring power across the state.
On top of that, the governor said remaining debris could put a dent in community efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Irma.
Governor Scott said, “I have been speaking regularly with city and county leaders to make sure our communities have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover from this massive storm,” Scott said. “One of our top focuses has been on making sure debris from the storm is quickly cleared so families can get back to their homes, power can be turned on, and communities can rebuild.”
Local officials have told Scott they believe they are being price gouged by debris removal contractors, some of whom are allegedly hiking up prices as demand skyrockets for debris removal.
Other contractors, Scott said, simply are not following their pre-storm contracts whatsoever, not picking up any debris at all.
“We will not tolerate any attempt by businesses to take advantage of our communities during their time of need, especially in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma,” Scott said.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi took a similar stance, chastising debris removal companies who were acting “improperly” during a crisis situation for many Floridians.
“These contractors should honor their promises to Floridians and do their jobs when they are needed most,” Bondi said. “Exploiting this crisis at taxpayer expense is outrageous and will not be tolerated.”
Debris cleanup began immediately after Irma’s effects subsided, with crews working around the clock to clear roadways and areas heavily hit by the storm.
Just seven hours after Irma left the state on Sept. 11, workers had cleared all major highways of debris, Scott said.
The county-wide status of debris cleanup efforts can be found on the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s website.
Scott advised debris removal companies across Florida and the country to contact the Florida Department of Transportation if they could help remove the wreckage from Irma.
“We will continue to do all we can to help ensure communities get cleaned up,” Scott said.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
