Santa Rosa County Estimates 1.7 Million Cubic Yards of Hurricane Debris

MILTON, Fla. — Santa Rosa County faces an enormous cleanup operation following Hurricane Isaias, with officials estimating the storm left behind approximately 1.7 million cubic yards of vegetative debris.

About 1.3 million cubic yards — more than three-quarters of the countywide total — is north of Interstate 10.

Storm debris collection along publicly maintained roads is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Residents should separate vegetative debris, such as trees and limbs, from construction and demolition material.

Storm debris should not be bagged or mixed with ordinary household garbage.

Piles should be placed along the public right-of-way without blocking roads, drainage areas, fire hydrants, mailboxes or utility equipment.

Contractors will make multiple passes through affected neighborhoods, meaning residents should not assume their property has been missed if debris isn't removed during the first pass.

County Administrator Brad Baker said Tuesday that despite the enormous amount of debris, approximately 99% of Santa Rosa County roads are now passable.

The City of Pensacola began its separate hurricane debris collection operation Tuesday. Unincorporated Escambia County is also scheduled to begin collection Wednesday.