Recognizing the monumental effort that debris removal will be in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is urging all companies who support debris removal, including those involved in debris hauling, monitoring and solid-waste management, to hire displaced and employment-seeking Floridians, locally. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Urges Debris Removal Companies to Hire Locally, Highlights Economic Recovery Resources Available for Floridians
Debris Removal
Attorney General Bondi Issues Subpoenas in Debris-Removal Investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued investigative subpoenas to three debris-removal companies in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The subpoenas are being issued pursuant to Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that debris removal contractors are either failing to perform at pre-storm contract rates, not performing until negotiating higher rates or are slow to perform under existing contracts.
“Sitting debris is a health and safety hazard and needs to be removed as soon as possible—but instead of doing their jobs and helping Floridians recover, apparently some contractors are delaying the work or requesting higher rates,” said Attorney General Bondi. “These subpoenas seek to answer questions about why many communities are continuing to struggle with the hazards of debris while having to contend with rate hikes.”
The office is reviewing contracts and gathering information relating to delays and potential price increases for debris removal by AshBritt, Inc. Two other companies, Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. and DRC Emergency Services Inc. have also been served with investigative subpoenas based on information that they may have also sought increased rates for debris removal. The subpoenas seek documents showing whether the contractors are indeed providing the services under the contract, the estimated time for completion of debris removal, what rates are being charged, and whether these rates have been increased. Also included in the subpoenas are requests for information relating to subcontractors.
In addition to the subpoenas issued today, the office will continue to review contracts and gather more information from other contractors and local officials.
To view Ashbritt’s subpoena, click here.
Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi: Debris Removal Stalemate Unacceptable
NAPLES, Fla. – After hearing several complaints from county administrators, city mayors and other local elected officials about debris removal contractors not performing their duties to remove debris in accordance with their pre-storm contracts, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement. Governor Scott is calling on debris removal companies from Florida and across the country who are willing to help at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I have been speaking regularly with city and county leaders to make sure our communities have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover from this massive storm. One of our top focuses has been on making sure debris from the storm is quickly cleared so families can get back to their homes, power can be turned on, and communities can rebuild. This week, I have heard from many local communities from across the state that believe they are being price gouged by debris removal contractors. Many mayors have told me there are companies not following contracts by removing debris.
“We will not tolerate any attempt by businesses to take advantage of our communities during their time of need, especially in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. I want to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her tireless work on behalf of Floridians and appreciate her ensuring that our taxpayers are protected.
“Today, I am also asking debris removal companies in Florida and across the country who can provide services to our counties in need at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation so FDOT can immediately connect these businesses with counties in need. We will continue to do all we can to help ensure communities get cleaned up.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “These contractors should honor their promises to Floridians and do their jobs when they are needed most. Exploiting this crisis at taxpayer expense is outrageous and will not be tolerated. I will work closely with the Governor, cities and counties to ensure contracts are honored and communities restored. Regardless of whether something is unlawful, this is a morality issue impacting fellow Floridians in a time of need.”
Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Out-of-State Outreach for Post-Hurricane Debris Removal Support
Hurricane Irma will devastate Florida, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Forest Service has reached out to its partners in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi to identify their saw team resources and request help with post-hurricane efforts to clear roadways and remove debris.
“We’re all in this together, and we’re going to need support from other states to immediately begin recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma leaves utter destruction in its wake,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
