State Declares Debris Mission for Sarasota County Following Hurricanes
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the state has initiated a debris recovery mission for Sarasota County. The cleanup effort, particularly in navigable waters, will involve collaboration between the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as outlined by FloridaDebrisCleanup.com.
Debris collection on private and commercial properties remains under the jurisdiction of local county authorities. Residents can report debris issues by calling 850-366-6007. To report derelict or sunken vessels, vessel owners can contact the FWC at 850-488-5600.
According to FWC, vessels classified as derelict—defined as wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled—can be removed by the state 45 days after they are tagged. For vessel status updates, owners should provide a case or vessel registration number.
Additionally, the FWC’s Vessel Turn-in Program offers assistance to boat owners unable to afford repairs or whose vessels are beyond repair, allowing them to release ownership to the state at no charge.
For more information, visit FloridaDebrisCleanup.com or call the provided numbers for reporting debris and vessels.