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Parks director: tree removals followed work‑order inspections; department boosting capacity after Hurricane Milton
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff said tree removals reported by residents followed inspections that generated work orders for life‑safety hazards and storm response; the department has added equipment and staffing authority this year and supplements work with contracted tree providers.
Parks and Recreation Director Tony Molokie told council on Feb. 6 that tree removals observed by residents around the city were the result of work‑order responses following inspections, and that the department does not remove healthy trees. He said much of the tree work reflected life‑safety removals and hurricane response activity.
What staff told council
Molokie said Urban Forestry work orders are generated after inspections identifying public‑safety risks, hanging limbs and failing trees; the city does not remove healthy trees for routine purposes. The department has increased equipment and staffing authorizations in the current fiscal year and continues to recruit for positions. Parks supplements internal capacity through three contracted tree providers — used particularly for large or crane‑required removals and during storm response.
Council questions and follow up
Council members asked about inspecting potentially hollow trees and whether the department has sufficient capacity to move from reactive to proactive tree maintenance. Molokie said the department has made staffing and equipment additions but estimated it is roughly 30–40% of the way toward a desired capacity target; the city will continue to use contractors and to prioritize public‑safety work while pursuing more proactive tree care in future budget cycles.
Why it matters: Residents reported downed or hollow trees that recently failed; the city must balance storm cleanup and public‑safety removals with broader canopy management and proactive maintenance.
Ending
Molokie said Parks will continue to clear hazardous material and will pursue recruitment and additional equipment; council members urged the department to accelerate proactive inspections and to prioritize parks and heavily used public areas for follow‑up.
