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County says debris removal largely complete; crews working on private and mobile‑home sites, some parks remain closed
Summary
Public works reported final public‑right‑of‑way debris pass complete and major quantities hauled, while county staff said they are negotiating FEMA approval for private park collections and continuing staged reopenings at county parks including Fort DeSoto and Madera Beach closures.
Pinellas County public works and parks staff told commissioners on Jan. 14 that the county’s final public‑right‑of‑way debris pass is complete and that county crews have documented collections for FEMA reimbursement, but private and corporate properties remain a challenge.
Jill Silverboard, a county administration official who presented the public‑works update, said county crews had completed and documented the final pass of right‑of‑way debris collection and had hauled over 714,000 cubic yards of debris as of the Monday before the Jan. 14 meeting. She said GEM’s tracking showed about 3,400,000 cubic yards of debris removed from all of Pinellas County.
Silverboard said nine private‑property locations are under FEMA review for possible collection assistance, including several mobile‑home parks that pose access challenges for collection equipment. She said some corporate park owners have not authorized county collection and that FEMA reviews corporate parks to determine whether insurance or other private resources should cover removal before approving FEMA‑reimbursable county collection.
Parks updates and access: Silverboard said sand‑removal work is complete and the county plans dune planting in early 2025. Fort DeSoto has reopened in phases (dog beach, bay pier, Causeway, boat ramp, Heath Beach and area 3 campground are open); camping areas 1 and 2 at Fort DeSoto remain closed because of infrastructure damage. Madera Beach access remains closed for significant cleanup. Silverboard said the county is working with its congressional delegation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on federal permitting and emergency projects for shoreline restoration.
Private parks and mobile‑home parks: Commissioners pressed staff about the status of corporate‑owned mobile home parks, where ownership has not authorized collection and FEMA requires proof of insurance or owner consent before reimbursing county collections. Silverboard acknowledged residents’ frustration and said the county has referred several cases to FEMA and can pursue code enforcement if owners fail to act.
Public comment: Gateway Mobile Home Park residents called during the public‑comment portion for immediate cleanup of a large, molding debris pile that has created health and nuisance concerns. County staff said they have referred those requests to FEMA and are continuing to pursue approvals for collection in corporate‑owned parks.
Ending: Staff asked commissioners to refer residents with unresolved debris or private‑park collection questions to county staff so cases can be escalated to FEMA as needed. Silverboard said the county will continue documenting collections for FEMA reimbursement and to press for private‑owner or insurer action when appropriate.
