During a meeting on November 7, City Commissioner Moe Freaney shared a lighthearted moment involving her niece’s daughter, who found joy in watching a video of a claw truck picking up storm debris. “She thought that was the coolest thing,” Freaney remarked, contrasting the child’s reaction with those who found the video distressing.

Freaney commended Crowder Gulf, the company hired to handle debris collection, for their efficient and courteous service. “They were polite. They talked to residents as they went. I think we are lucky we acted quickly. Actually, when they really started, I was shocked at how quick they were going,” said Dunedin Mayor-elect Freaney.

Commissioner Jeff Gow echoed Freaney’s sentiments, acknowledging the long-term challenges residents face due to storm damage. “We should never forget that,” he said. However, he noted the positive impact of the debris removal efforts, stating, “The idea is that the curbs will look nice again. I think we are doing much better than our state is with our state parks. We have no idea what Honeymoon Island looks like still.”

As of November 14, city officials reported that 86,020 cubic yards of debris, amounting to 1,787 loads, had been removed. Gow praised Crowder Gulf and city staff for their hard work, saying, “It’s amazing what you were able to get done in four days. Just a tremendous amount of work, so thank you all very much for what you do.”

Gow also highlighted the community’s collaborative efforts in connecting those in need with organizations and volunteers. “You got Rotaries involved, you got churches involved. Other civic organizations involved. It was just people helping people,” he said.

The city’s estimated total cost of debris removal exceeds $4.3 million, with hopes of full reimbursement from FEMA. However, City Manager Jennifer Bramley cautioned that not all expenditures might be eligible for reimbursement. “We are being very careful about what we are doing as far as the debris removal … what we lay down for 100% reimbursement. But I can’t sit here today, vice mayor, and say I’m positive,” she explained.

Commissioner Robert Walker praised the staff’s remarkable efforts, especially given the quick transition from one hauler to another. “The fact we had to fire a hauler and within two days get a new one (Crowder). All in the meantime between those two days every staff member who was not doing something else was out there hauling trash,” Walker said.

Commissioner John Tornga expressed pride in the community’s response to the storms, noting his frequent presence on the streets in his Jeep. “It was heartbreaking. It was really interesting to watch the citizens helping the citizens coming together as well,” Tornga said. “The city did what the city needed to do.”

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(Image credit: City of Dunedin)