The City's contracted debris hauler, Crowder Gulf, mobilized double loaders on Oct. 16  to begin vegetative, construction, and demolition debris collection from the public right-of-way along the City's coastline. Debris haulers will operate from sunrise to sunset seven days a week to collect residential and commercial debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

You may not see debris haulers in the community while they travel to and from the debris management site to unload. 

Debris collection of this magnitude can take up to or over 90 days to complete.

When preparing your debris, DO NOT place materials in the roadway. Debris piles should be separated by type and placed at the curb in front of the home the debris was generated from, away from mailboxes, telephone poles, power lines, vehicles, and overhanging branches. It is illegal to dump debris at City parks, and the burning of vegetative debris is prohibited.

Vegetative Debris Large branches, tree trunks, leaves and logs. Large branches, trunks and stumps must be cut down to sections no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and no more than 40 pounds. 

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Drywall, furniture, lumber, tile, fencing, mattresses, plumbing, and other damaged or discarded items. 

White Goods Refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwaves, air-condition units, freezer chests, and other large household appliances typically made of metal or plastic. Please empty refrigerators and freezer or tape them shut with a label "spoiled food inside."

The City's contracted debris monitor, Tetra Tek, is responsible for ensuring debris collected is storm-related and has been generated from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton. The City MUST document all residential and commercial debris collected in order to be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

Once debris is removed from the right-of-way, the haulers must unload material at the debris management site (DMS) where the contents of every truck are measured, photographed, and debris type cataloged by the City's debris monitor. These strict federal monitoring requirements ensure the debris haulers are collecting eligible storm generated debris and that the City will be eligible for federal reimbursement of this multi-million-dollar debris collection operation. Once offloaded at the DMS, debris is separated by type, consolidated, and then hauled away for final disposal.

If your home was not damaged, now is not the time for spring cleaning. 

Collected debris is unloaded at a Debris Management Site to be inspected by debris monitors and quantified. (DMS) Hurricane related debris must be separated because debris is transported to and processed by different facilities. 

Vegetative Debris Large branches, tree trunks, leaves and logs. Large branches, trunks and stumps must be cut down to sections no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and no more than 40 pounds. 

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Drywall, furniture, lumber, tile, fencing, mattresses, plumbing, and other damaged or discarded items. 

White Goods Refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwaves, air-conditioning units, freezer chests, and other large household appliances typically made of metal or plastic. 

Debris collected by the City's contracted debris hauler is unloaded at the Debris Management Site, Wellfield Park, where the City's contracted debris monitor, Tetra Tek, is responsible for ensuring debris collected is storm-related and has been generated from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton. The City MUST document all residential and commercial debris collected in order to be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

The Tetra Tek Debris Monitor is responsible for measuring the contents of each truck, which is then photographed, and debris type is cataloged. These strict federal monitoring requirements ensure the debris haulers are collecting eligible storm generated debris and that the City will be eligible for federal reimbursement of this multi-million-dollar debris collection operation.

Once offloaded at the DMS, debris is separated by type, consolidated, and then hauled away for final disposal.

Vegetative Debris is mulched and often times repurposed as intermediate landfill coverings, commercial landscaping or other agricultural uses. 

Construction & Demolition Debris is crushed or compacted and disposed of at the Sarasota County Landfill or other neighboring landfills that can accept the volume and type of debris generated. 

White Goods are often crushed or sold. 

The FEMA Public Assistance program acts like a giant insurance policy for local governments.

When we get impacted by large events like back-to-back hurricanes, the City must pay all storm costs out-of-pocket to cover debris collection, staff time, and emergency repairs. This will quickly add up to millions of dollars, for example debris alone will be over $5 million for Hurricane Milton.

If the City carefully follows the Federal requirements for debris collection, then we may get some or all of that money paid back by the Federal Government. If the City does not follow Federal rules and guidelines, FEMA will not reimburse these costs which will then be paid from the normal city budget.

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, boaters are reminded that these storms have impacted many of Florida’s coastal and inland waterways.

Mariners should maintain a safe speed and adhere to Florida Statutes, which require vessel operators to maintain a slow speed (minimum wake) within 300 feet of any emergency vessels with activated lights.

Even if you know the waters well, be alert for new underwater hazards, including submerged navigation aids and altered water depths due to shifting sands. The storm could have changed the locations and conditions of pilings, trees, shoals, sandbars and navigation markers, creating potentially hazardous situations.

• Report missing or damaged navigable aids to the U.S. Coast Guard by calling 866-881-1392
• Report derelict vessels to Florida Division of Emergency Management by calling 850-366-6007
• For assistance with marine debris or vessel removal, call Sea Tow Venice at 941-484-4183

Tree Lighting in West Blalock Park by Venice Area Beautification Inc

Canceled due to significant impacts to the park. Trees and flora remain in a vulnerable state from impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. 

City of Venice 45th Annual Holiday Parade

The 45th annual City of Venice Holiday Parade is set to kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 30! The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., with pre-parade activities in the downtown area beginning around 4:30 p.m. Be sure to shop and dine locally to #SupportThe941

For more information, visit https://www.venicegov.com/things-to-do/featured-events-attractions/venice-holiday-parade

All City parks have reopened to the public, including Centennial, West Blalock, Heritage, Venezia, John Nolen, East Gate and Mundy.

Sarasota County: A Park Status Report shows real-time updates on the conditions of County and coastal parks and beaches including those within the City of Venice. As of Nov. 1, Venice, Maxine Barritt Park, North and South Brohard, Nokomis and Siesta beaches are open to the public.

REMINDER: Humphris Park at the South Jetty and the Venice Fishing Pier at Sharky's remain closed from damage caused by Hurricane Helene that is now worse due to Hurricane Milton. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO VISIT THESE LOCATIONS. There are exposed underground utilities at Sharky's, and deep holes, exposed construction materials and other trip hazards at the South Jetty.

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collections for residents in the City of Venice have resumed regular collection schedules. Properly prepared yard waste (no plastic bags) will be collected as part of normal collection.

Bulk yard waste collections, which have been paused citywide for storm debris collections, will resume on Monday, Dec. 2.

Remember to place trash and recycling carts separately from other materials so that collection vehicles can access them.

Venice Municipal Airport reopened to air traffic at noon Monday, Oct. 14. Utilities have been restored and the maintenance crew has made the necessary preparations to accept flights again.

Work is continuing to be made to make the midfield hangars safe and secure for tenant use. Unfortunately, regular access to this area will be restricted until further notice to enable the securing of unstable structures and the removal of debris. All airfield gates will be locked and/or powered down until the midfield area is made safe. No pedestrian or personal vehicular traffic are allowed at this time.

Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, between 9-11 a.m., Airport staff will escort tenants to their hangars to observe the condition of their property. This is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be a daily service (Monday-Friday) for the foreseeable future. Depending on the condition of the hangar building, the tenant may or may not be allowed by the escorting Airport staff member to enter the building. 

We appreciate your ongoing cooperation during this difficult time, and we look forward to restoring full access as soon as possible. Your health and safety are our top priority.

FEMA Individual Assistance

Homeowners & renters in Sarasota County are eligible to apply for FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance by Dec. 11 due to damages from Hurricane Milton.

 http://DisasterAssistance.gov

 Download the FEMA app

 Call 1-800-621-3362

For more recovery info, visit http://FloridaDisaster.org/Updates

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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

A Disaster Recovery Center has opened at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

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Volunteers

NOTE: The Rotary Club is temporarily suspending disaster relief efforts until they can identify more homeowners who need assistance. Join the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club for a Disaster Relief Volunteer Event to help communities impacted by Milton. The local organization urgently needs volunteers in Venice for mucking, gutting, and other support roles.

Daily check-in starts at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (2 shifts) at Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave. S. on Venice island (Casey Riley: 941-525-3158, David Pankiw: 717-360-1409)

Here are some helpful links:

• Report/Request Help Needed - https://rotaryfl.org/district-6960-needs-help/
• Volunteer to Help - https://rotaryfl.org/support-district-6960/
• Make a Donation - https://superform.app/zone33-34-helene/

Your support and service will make a huge difference in the lives of those impacted by this storm.

Hope Florida

Those who need help recovering from the storm can call 833-GET-HOPE (438-4673) of click here for free assistance and to request resources such as food, household goods, or debris removal. Visit hopeflorida.com.

FloridaCommerce programs

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: FloridaCommerce has made $50 million available for businesses impacted by Milton. Businesses in Sarasota County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to do so. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Milton. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Interested applicants can apply now through Dec. 4, or until all available funds are expended. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FloridaCommerce Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. File an application by Dec. 10. Call 800-385-3920 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.

State Assistance Information Line

SAIL is active 24/7. Residents needing recovery resources for Milton can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish & Haitian Creole speakers available to answer questions. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.

Sand removal and disposal

Following state guidelines, clean sand may be placed back on the beach from pool and patio areas, with the material screened if debris is present. Sand in parking areas may be contaminated and should be disposed of by a contractor. A field review by the Engineering Department is required on a site-by-site basis. Call 941-882-7411.

VEGETATIVE DEBRIS DROP-OFF SITES: The following public drop-off sites are open for residents living in both the municipalities and unincorporated Sarasota County who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris. 

The drop-off sites will continue to be open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Jackson Road Transfer Station, 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice
- Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Proof of Sarasota County residency is required (i.e. driver's license, tax bill, utility bill, etc.). Residents must self-unload all vegetative storm debris. 

Volunteer groups may haul and unload vegetative storm materials on behalf of a resident. A completed Hurricane Milton Public Drop-off Site Verification Form for Sarasota County Residents MUST be presented by volunteer groups at the time of disposal otherwise materials will not be accepted. No commercial debris or vehicles will be permitted to use the sites.

LINK TO FORM: https://loom.ly/4bNBvsg

Remain vigilant, keep informed, stay safe and be smart.  

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