Storm debris collection underway in county, city

The city of Sarasota and Sarasota County began collecting storm debris this week, and will do so on a continuous basis.

The city and county asked residents to place vegetative debris away from mailboxes, light poles and other objects to ensure there's enough room for machinery to pick it up. Residents should not mix storm debris with other waste or place vegetative storm debris in a bag or container.

There is no set collection schedule, but residents should set materials at the curbside as soon as possible. 

Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown said the waste contractor plans to make multiple rounds throughout the city. The city hopes to complete its first phase of debris collection within two to three weeks.

Sarasota County is also working on a plan and collaborating with homeowners' associations to get contractors onto private roads to remove storm debris, but commercial property owners are responsible for their own debris removal.

Ten trucks are collecting storm debris for the county. Crews starting in southern parts of the county on Monday and are working their way north.

A county spokesperson asked that residents be patient, as people across the state are having the same problems and resources are limited.

In the meantime, if you feel your home was missed by storm debris crews, you can let the county know here.