As we continue the cleanup process following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we understand that navigating the debris removal guidelines can be confusing. We want to address some concerns regarding debris removal for condominiums and other commercial properties.

According to FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.13, all condominiums are classified as commercial properties. This means condo associations are generally expected to have insurance covering debris removal. However, we've heard from some of you that certain condo associations do not have this insurance and are hoping the city can assist with debris removal.

Here is the federal guidance we are currently operating under:

• FEMA may, at a later date, allow local or state governments to remove debris from private and commercial properties only if FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) determines the removal is in the public's best interest. FEMA designates all condominiums as commercial properties without distinguishing between residential and commercial condos.
• The expedited removal of all debris within the city is in the public's best interest; however, it is not up to the city to make this determination. If the city were to pick up commercial debris from properties that are deemed commercial by FEMA, this debris collection and staging process would have to be kept completely separate from the residential debris collection processes in hopes that FEMA would provide approval after the fact.
• FEMA-approved debris removal resources are extremely scarce now due to the widespread back-to-back destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Mixing eligible and non-eligible debris would jeopardize the FEMA reimbursement for the debris removal processes underway. As of today, the city hopes that FEMA reaches the determination that all debris, including commercial debris, is eligible for reimbursement sooner rather than later so that commercial debris can be added to our list of eligible properties.

We appreciate your understanding and patience. We also need you to know that we are continually engaging the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), FEMA, and elected representatives to resolve these concerns. We want to help every member of our community.

We know this can be frustrating, especially with everything our residents and businesses have been through. As a city, we want to get everything cleaned and back to some sort of normalcy, just like you do. City officials will continue working to make more progress and get more answers. Please stay tuned for updates as we continue to coordinate with state and federal agencies.

Trash Collection
Public Works continues waste collection. Crews are following the regular collection schedule as best as possible, but interruptions can happen along the way. Please keep your carts at the curb until they are emptied, and DO NOT place carts behind debris piles.

To help keep the collection process running smoothly, DO NOT place any construction debris in waste bins. This damages the city's trucks and equipment and will only slow the collection process.

Sand Removal/Restoration
To expedite the process and to minimize the conflicts with heavy equipment and vehicles/pedestrians, Gator Dredging will move to a 24-hour schedule beginning Oct. 17.

If you have questions about sand removal, email CityHall@mytreasureisland.org and request a callback.

A reminder that Pinellas County has opened a sand drop-off site at Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, for all county residents and businesses looking to dispose of storm-related sand from their property. The location will be operational seven days per week, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

CLICK HERE for FEMA Debris Eligibility Address Lookup