Massive debris cleanup ongoing in Tampa
Debris collection in Tampa continues seven days a week as crews tackle 1 million cubic yards of storm debris — enough to fill 10,000 football fields.
The full clean-up is expected to take around 90 days with the help of FEMA reimbursing the city for the cost during that time.
City officials say they are pushing hard to meet that deadline.
“The city can’t do it all themselves within the 90 days, but it’s also very competitive if you think about how many counties that were hit by Helene and Milton just in our area,” said Mayor Jane Castor. Additionally, Castor says multiple counties and the state are all competing for the same contractors.
The McKay Bay Transfer Station is the main drop-off site for household items only. However, resident drop-off sites are established throughout the city in various locations to accept vegetative storm debris as the need arises. For more information:
Storm Debris Drop-Off – https://www.tampa.gov/solid-waste/hurricane-debris-removal
Debris Facilities- https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/10/14/two-hillsborough-storm-debris-disposal-sites-opening-24-hours-a-day
Hurricane Milton pushes back USF homecoming
Homecoming weekend is one of the most celebrated events at USF. However, with the ongoing recovery after Hurricane Milton, USF was forced to postpone the weekend events.
The new dates for Homecoming Kickoff and Aux Cord Wars, Homecoming Ball and Royalty, Running the Bulls Parade, and many more are set to run Nov. 4-9.
For more Information on postponed events visit:
Homecoming/Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony- https://www.usforacle.com/2024/10/14/usf-moves-stadium-groundbreaking-ceremony-and-homecoming-week/
All new homecoming event dates- https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/homecoming/schedule/index.aspx
USF students jump into action at hurricane shelter
During Hurricane Milton, a group of dedicated USF students assisted at the Erwin Technical College hurricane shelter in Tampa by volunteering as emergency responders.
Source: Arshia Esmaeilian
USF international student Arshia Esmaeilian says he not only gained skills that will help him become a better medical student, but he and his classmates left feeling more inspired and motivated to pursue a career in the medical field after the experience.
“Being able to assist people through clinical care during the hurricane was a great experience … and I think it was definitely something that prepared me to be a much better physician in the future,” said Esmaeilian.
Credits:
Editor – Melissa Baldelomar
Anchor – Samantha Allen / Victoria Harris
Tech Director – Sofia Reyes
Camera – Paula Sanchez
Producer – Alex Merceron
Assistant Producer – Malia Knight
Teleprompter – Valeria Maldonado
Graphics – Marla Rodriguez
Web Editor – Fallon Crowell
Audio – Marissa Stiff
Social Media Manager – Marla Rodriguez
Floor Director – Ava Jochims
Teaching Assistant – Grace Ficara
Faculty Advisor – Dr. Stephanie Anderson