County’s storm debris contractors to take Thanksgiving break between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1

Public drop-off sites for vegetative materials to be closed as of 5 p.m. Nov. 23

A contractor’s tuck brings more vegetative materials to Rothenbach Park in Sarasota. Image from a Sarasota County video

“Sarasota County’s debris contractors have been working seven days a week, sun up to sun down, since Oct. 13 to remove debris from our community from back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton,” a county news release pointed out this week.

Those contractors had collected more than 1.3 million cubic yards of debris from public rights of way as of Nov. 17, the release added. Therefore, it said, the debris contractors “will break for the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 25 to Dec 1. Debris collection will resume on Monday, Dec 2.”

Further, the release noted, “Sarasota County’s two public drop-off sites for residential vegetative storm debris,” Rothenbach Park, which stands at 8650 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, and the Jackson Road Transfer Station, located at 250 S. Jackson Road in Venice, “will close permanently at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.”

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the release said, “a total of 26 loads of vegetative debris was collected. Since the beginning of November, public drop-off sites have seen a steady decrease in public drop-offs.”

Nonetheless, through Saturday, Nov. 23, the release continued, “residents may continue to self-haul residential vegetative storm debris to one of the sites for free disposal. After Nov. 23, residents may dispose of storm debris at the Central County Landfill and applicable disposal fees will apply.”

“We are extremely appreciative of the men and women who have spent time away from their families supporting cleanup efforts throughout Sarasota County,” said Brian Usher, director of Sarasota County’s Solid Waste Department, in the release. “This holiday break will allow them an opportunity to reunite with their families for the holiday and get some much-needed rest.”

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