St. Augustine neighbors say more time needed for Hurricane Matthew debris pickup

The deadline for neighbors to get storm debris from Hurricane Matthew hauled away in St. Augustine is this Friday and that’s getting mixed reaction from people who live there.

Neighbors were originally told to have their storm debris out by Monday.

"No one can move that fast. We are all exhausted," resident Tica Walley said.

Walley said at one time, her debris was piled so high that it was hard to see her home.

And even though the city picked up a majority of it, she said this week’s deadline isn’t reasonable.

"The idea that I had to get all my debris out by a city imposed deadline and I’m not sure why we have that deadline, that's just one of the stresses that hurricane victims don't need," Walley said.

The city of St. Augustine’s Public Works Department updated the commissioners Monday during their meeting and said city crews have collected more than 1,600 loads of debris and spent nearly $800,000.

Chris Fulmer said she had to rip out walls and the floor of her home and even though debris filled her yard, the city’s cleanup process was quick.

"The debris has been picked up and it's absolutely amazing," Fulmer said.

The city said they made at least two passes on all the streets and if you still have debris, call the city and give your address.

Cox Media Group