Brevard storm debris pickup 1/3 complete

90,000 cubic yards of debris collected so far, 325,000 more to go

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – More than two weeks after Hurricane Matthew damaged over a thousand Brevard County properties, emergency leaders say debris pickup is about a third complete.

One Merritt Island resident spoke to News 6 Monday moments after crews got to his yard for the first time since the storm.

"It's a big deal and it's going to take a while to get it done," said Terry Smith, who lives on SouthTropical Trail. "I know that there's too much stuff and it's going to take a long time. I can't complain one way or another."

Along with picking up, workers also have to save the road from dropping off into the Indian River.

Just like how Matthew caused miles of beach erosion up and down the coastline, the storm also cut into the few feet of ground separating South Tropical Trail and the lagoon.

"It was almost washing under the road," said Smith. "The waves come across the river and take everything away."

To make sure that does not happen, crews Monday dumped dirt between the road and Indian River.

The county says it will be several weeks before all debris is cleared.

It's going to the three county landfills.

Leaders say there's plenty of space.

Some might find that surprising, considering the county is picking up the same amount of debris from this one storm that they say they normally get in three months.

"The challenge is that we're a 72-mile-long county, and unlike a thunderstorm event that hits one area of the county, this thing is widespread. It's all over the county," said Don Walker with Brevard Emergency Management.

Leaders advise if you're still waiting for your debris to be picked up, be sure it's not bagged. The county says bagged debris cannot be recycled.


About the Author:

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.