Landscape Workers Clean Up Hurricane-Ravaged Areas

MANATEE, Fla. – With the tropics clear, Manatee County Solid Waste Management and area landscapers can finally concentrate on recovery and restoration.

Tons of debris left behind as a result of hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne are still being taken to the county landfill on Lena Road.

"Because of the storm, we are obviously receiving extra landscape material," said Gus Di Fonzo, solid waste division manager for Manatee County.

According to Di Fonzo, things are still going smoothly at the landfill and it just may take a little extra time to dispose of the landscape debris.

"Probably over the next 30 days, we will see a small back up," Di Fonzo said.

Dumping fees at the landfill have increased by $2 a ton, now costing $25. The increase is a result of a contractual cost-of-living increase the county has with hauler Waste Management of Florida, Inc. and a way to finance sewage sludge dryers, Di Fonzo said.

The increase, effective as of Oct. 1, was approved by the County Commission in August.

"At that time no one knew we were going to have such an active storm season," Di Fonzo said.

Residents who live along State Road 64 near the Lena Road intersection have been dealing with traffic issues due to construction. Now, the increased number of trips trucks must take to the dump with storm debris has led to more congestion.

John Larranaga, a Heritage Harbour resident, said he usually tries to avoid State Road 64 due to the heavy dump truck traffic.

"I don't know if it's a result of the hurricanes, but the traffic on 64 is getting worse," Larranaga said.

Larranaga, like other Manatee residents, feels relieved the county fared as well as it did during the hurricanes and hopes traffic will lessen as cleanups continue.

"We feel extremely fortunate. Compared to what some counties are dealing with," Di Fonzo said. "We are very lucky and we can handle a little extra yard waste."