With more than 429,000 cubic yards of storm debris collected through Oct. 29, Sarasota County staff launches interactive map so residents can learn about timelines for specific neighborhoods

Free public drop-off of debris still allowed at Rothenbach Park in Sarasota and Jackson Road Transfer Station in Venice

Vegetative storm debris lines this residential street in the county. Photo courtesy Sarasota County via Facebook

On Oct. 31, Sarasota County staff announced the launch of a Storm Debris Pickup Status Map so residents can learn when to expect contractors in their neighborhoods.

The county offered a similar service after Hurricane Ian affected county residents in 2022.

As of Oct. 29, county staff said in a news release, 429,100 total cubic yards have been collected.

“Major cleanup efforts continue throughout Sarasota County with an emphasis on the barrier islands and the coastal areas that sustained significant damage from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” the release pointed out. “The primary goal is to complete a comprehensive first pass in these areas,” along with all of the other unincorporated areas of Sarasota County, the release added.

“A second and final pass on the barrier islands “and within the coastal areas “will be completed after the first pass,” the release pointed out. “These areas are outlined by the dark blue boundary lines on the map. Residents will be notified approximately seven days in advance of the final pass,” the release noted.

“For all other areas of the unincorporated county,” which sustained primarily vegetative damage because of high winds during Hurricane Milton’s trek inland from Siesta Key on Oct. 9, “debris contractors will be making one pass for storm debris collection,” the release said. Nonetheless, the release added, “These areas will be evaluated for any extenuating circumstances” that may necessitate additional cleanup efforts.

The Storm Debris Pickup Status Map has a section at the top where a resident may enter his or her address to determine the status of the person’s collection zone. “If you don’t know the address,” the release said, with emphasis, “use one of these search methods:

  • “Click the search box and choose Use current location.
  • “Click within the map.

“Results show information about the collection status for the zone,” the release noted.

This image of the Storm Debris Collection Map shows several zones and their status. Image courtesy Sarasota County

The color codes for zones are as follows:

  • Collection pending — gray.
  • Collection in progress — blue.
  • Collection completed — green.
    The release also reminds residents to separate materials into the following categories:
  • “Regular household garbage.
  • “Construction and demolition (C&D) materials and household goods. Any C&D materials contained in plastic bags should be placed with regular household garbage.
  • “Appliances/white goods.
  • “Vegetative debris (large branches).
  • “Do not place household hazardous materials,” including lithium batteries, at the curb.

The release further explained that commercial properties generally are ineligible for debris removal under the FEMA Public Assistance program; however, “Sarasota County is fighting for approval to collect disaster debris from commercial properties on the barrier islands.”

Additionally, the release said, owners of commercial properties may be able to work through their insurance companies or the Small Business Administration program to file claims for storm debris removal.

For more information, visit the Hurricane Recovery Updates page.

County staff also continues to note that public drop-off sites are open for both residents living in unincorporated Sarasota County and residents in the municipalities who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris. Residents may drop off the materials at no cost, staff has pointed out.

The drop-off sites are open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Rothenbach Park, located at 8650 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.
  • Jackson Road Transfer Station, standing at 250 S. Jackson Road in Venice.

“Proof of Sarasota County residency” — such as a driver’s license, tax bill or utility bill —  is required. Additionally, residents themselves must handle the unloading of all vegetative storm debris. However, staff notes, “Volunteer groups may haul and unload vegetative storm materials on behalf of a resident.

“A completed Hurricane Milton Public Drop-off Site Verification Form for Sarasota County Residents MUST be presented by volunteer groups at the time of disposal,” staff is emphasizing. Otherwise, materials will not be accepted.

“No commercial debris or vehicles will be permitted to use the sites,” staff cautions on the county website.