Lee County has achieved a significant win for residents in unincorporated areas, including Captiva, by securing a FEMA waiver to assist commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton. This change allows the county to collect storm debris that previously could not be addressed due to federal restrictions.
The Challenge: FEMA Rules and Debris Collection
Prior to the waiver, FEMA regulations prevented the county from collecting storm debris from commercial properties like apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks. These property owners were required to coordinate debris removal through their insurance providers. As a result, debris left in the right-of-way (ROW) near these properties could not be cleared by the county’s contracted hauler without incurring non-reimbursable expenses, placing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
The Solution: A Collaborative Effort
In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Lee County successfully obtained a waiver from FEMA. This waiver permits the county’s debris hauler to conduct a single pass to collect debris placed at the ROW in front of these commercial properties.
Lee County expressed gratitude to FDEM for its support in securing the waiver, which is essential for easing the cleanup process after Hurricane Milton.
Key Details for Commercial Property Owners
- Collection Timeline: The debris hauler began operations on Nov. 9-10 and will continue until the single pass is complete, which may take several weeks.
- Important Restrictions:
- Additional debris placed after the hauler’s single pass will not be collected by the county. Owners must arrange for private removal using insurance providers.
- Gated Communities:
- Properties with gated access must submit a Right of Entry (ROE) and Indemnification form to allow debris collection.
- Forms are available online for property managers and HOA presidents at the ROE Communities page or through the county’s hurricane resource page at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/hurricane.
Timely Action by the County
Securing a FEMA waiver typically takes time. For comparison, after Hurricane Ian in 2022, the waiver process took about a month. The Milton waiver was granted just shy of a month post-landfall, reflecting the county’s proactive efforts.
Need Assistance?
Residents with questions about debris collection can contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional resources and updates are available at www.leegov.com/storm.
This achievement underscores Lee County’s commitment to supporting its residents and streamlining recovery efforts after natural disasters.
