Pinellas County completes storm debris collection, meets deadline for reimbursement

Pinellas County has completed all storm debris collections in public unincorporated areas. The county met state and federal deadlines for full reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Debris collection in some private communities still remains, but the county is awaiting authorization from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete those collections.

The county began debris collection Oct. 2, after Hurricane Helene passed the county off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico, causing widespread flooding in low-lying and coastal areas. The first pass for debris collection was completed before Thanksgiving, with a final sweep beginning Dec. 2.

Crews documented cleared streets with photos and video.

– Janelle Irwin, Florida Politics