- May 2, 2024
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Children walking home from school near Ormond Beach Middle School share the road last week with cars because the sidewalks are covered with storm debris. The brush was later picked up. Courtesy photo
The amount of debris collected so far would fill Jackie Robinson Ballpark to a height of 37.5 feet. Courtesy photo
A car negotiates a road stacked with debris on both sides. Photo by Wayne Grant
Ormond Beach residents keep calling the city, asking when debris from Hurricane Matthew will be picked up on their street. The city’s response: Please be patient.
“The city is making headway and we ask that you be patient, knowing we are committed to getting the job done as quickly and as safely as possible,” said a city spokeswoman.
The crews have been working in the heavily “vegetated” areas, and were approximately half-way done on Oct. 31, according to the city. The first pass through the city is expected to be complete by Nov. 10. More passes will be conducted as needed.
The city has two contractors, DRC and Crowder Gulf. As of the close of business on Sunday, Oct. 30, 4,534 loads of debris had been collected (215,381 cubic yards) in 20 days. They have also removed 84 trees leaning over the road and 2,709 hanging limbs.
The cost so far has been $1,508,183 for debris removal, $633,727 for grinding, $5,735 for leaning trees and $375,795 for hanging limbs. FEMA is expected to pay 85%.
According to the city’s engineering department, the amount collected so far would fill Jackie Robinson Ballpark to a height of 37.5 feet.
The total estimate for the entire project is 400,000 to 600,000 cubic yards.
Also, the Public Works Department continues to clear debris from roadways. Residents are asked to not block roadways with any type of debris.
“Root balls” and “stumps” will be collected after the removal of all other storm debris.
Private contractors are required to remove the debris from the property and not leave at the curb.
For questions, contact the city’s Public Works Department at676-3220. For daily updates, visit ormondbeach.org.
Volusia County has issued a statement reminding beachside residents and commercial property owners that all debris from private property that is on the beach is the responsibility of the private landowner to collect and properly remove. Additionally, there should be no pumping of pool water or sump pump discharge onto the beach. For more information on beachside private property, visit volusia.org/beachcleanup.
