Weeks after Hurricane Irma battered Tampa Bay, many parts of Tampa are left with giant piles of debris the city hasn’t picked up. As the piles build, so does frustration.
The city of Tampa told residents it could be a month before all the debris is picked up.
Contractors in Tampa alone have only picked up one-tenth of what is sitting at curbs in the city. Other crews went to Miami and by-passed Tampa altogether, leaving many people frustrated.
"I can't see squat because of it. You know, I cannot move it. I cannot afford to pay somebody,” Josie Rodriguez, a West Tampa homeowner, said.
If you’re tired of waiting, you can haul your debris to the McKay Bay Transfer Station on S. 34th St. and dump it for free. It is open 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It is open 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
Make sure to bring your proof you’re a city utility customer, like your water bill and driver’s license.
The city of Tampa said they expect to have 51 trucks on the road this weekend to clear debris. In St. Petersburg, the city’s FEMA approved debris contractor started this week and they’re expected to complete their first pass Friday. They will do two more, but they won’t pick up debris in bags or containers.
RELATED: For those still wonderingwhen crews are going to remove all the debris from outside their home there is a easy way to find out. Residents in both St. Petersburg and Pasco County can check out color-coded maps created to show what areas are currently being cleaned and what areas are next.
St. Petersburg map: http://www.stpete.org/emergency/hurricane_center/st_pete_recovers.php
Pasco County map: http://pascocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ef6f608a14bc470795806c82ab1024b4
