Clearwater’s Island Estates residents are increasingly concerned about health and safety as debris piles up in their waterways.

New residents Jewell and Michael Ullvens, who recently moved from Tarpon Springs to a canal-front home, prepared as best they could for Hurricane Helene.

“We had water going up and down the streets,” Jewell Ullvens shared. “It rose about a foot to our front door. We still have foam around our windows and doors where Michael sealed us in.”

However, Hurricane Milton brought an even bigger problem, dredging up a thick layer of muck and debris in their backyard canal.

“We have pieces of other people’s decks, wood, Styrofoam, trash, bottles—all kinds of debris. I even see some glass,” Ullvens noted.

The couple describes the odor as overwhelming.

“It’s nauseating,” she said. “The smell is worse than sewage, and I’m not sure it’s safe to even breathe it in.”

The Florida Department of Health recently confirmed 14 cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Pinellas County following the storms, adding to the residents’ concerns.

“We’re just hoping to avoid another disaster,” said Ullvens.

The Ullvens reached out to the city of Clearwater but were unable to find which department could assist with cleanup.

“No one seems to know who to contact,” Ullvens said.

Local news station FOX 13 contacted FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida DEP, and the city of Clearwater to determine if they are aware of the issue, whether cleanup plans are underway, and if there are health risks. None of the agencies have yet responded.

A spokesperson for Pinellas County informed FOX 13 that they are looking into the issue and will follow up with a response soon.

(Image credit: Fox 13 News Tampa Bay)