Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hurricane Preparedness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Palm Beach public works urges early hurricane prep; city offers vegetation amnesty April 28–May 9
Summary
Leon Pinder, director of public works for the City of West Palm Beach, detailed the city’s Vegetation Amnesty Days, a May 15 hurricane preparedness drill and guidance for residents on pruning, debris placement and service suspension when winds reach 35 mph.
Leon Pinder, director of public works for the City of West Palm Beach, urged residents to begin hurricane preparations now and described the city’s Vegetation Amnesty Days, a temporary program that lets homeowners place trimmed vegetation at the curb for free pickup.
"Vegetation amnesty days is where we give homeowners and residents the opportunity to cut back vegetation at the residence, unlimited amount, as long as vegetation only put out in front of their residence, and then the city will pick it up at no additional charge," Pinder said on the City Center podcast.
Pinder said the amnesty runs from April 28 through May 9 and is intended to reduce loose yard debris that can become projectiles during storms and clog storm drains. He advised residents to bag grass clippings where possible and place bags beneath larger branches so rain does not wash material into storm drains. "Any leaves and large trees that you cannot bag, then you just put them out to the curb," he said.
The director urged residents to make debris manageable for city equipment: cut branches into roughly 4-by-4-foot lengths and no more than about 2 inches in diameter when possible. Pinder said this reduces the risk of damage while the city’s grapple trucks pick up material.
City staff also plan an annual hurricane preparedness drill on May 15 that will include staged scenarios to simulate road debris, downed power lines, a sewer spill and individuals trapped in vehicles. Pinder described the exercise as realistic, noting the use of wrecked cars and actors to rehearse extrication and cleanup.
On service continuity, Pinder said the city communicates with residents about collection schedules and will suspend curbside services when conditions become unsafe. "Once the winds get to 35 miles or above, we'll cease and desist all services at that point," he said.
For general hurricane guidance and updates on service restoration, Pinder directed listeners to the city’s information page at wpb.org/hurricane. He also recommended residents develop and update family hurricane plans, store essentials gradually rather than waiting until June 1, and secure loose items such as patio furniture so they do not become projectiles in high winds.
The City Center podcast is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Communications Department, and the episode featured Jerry Marcello, the program host, interviewing Pinder.
