Florida Keys Removes More Than 160,000 Cubic Tons Of Post Irma Debris

#KeysRecovery And Hurricane Cleanup Continues Throughout Florida’s Islands

Hurricane Irma left its mark on the Florida Keys, but a lot of what is left behind is being cleaned up as the #KeysRecovery continues throughout the chain of islands.

According to Monroe County officials, more than 160,000 combined cubic yards of hurricane debris, including vegetative and construction, have been collected and removed as of Friday, Oct. 6.

This took place in neighborhoods and along U.S. Highway 1.

According to a post on its Keys Recover website, Monroe County stated that “Monroe County’s debris contractor AshBritt Environmental has been handling Key Largo to Tavernier and mile marker 15 to Stock Island. AshBritt-contracted crews have removed more than 115,000 cubic yards of debris and 2,000 white goods (appliances).

“The company is approximately 75 percent complete with the first pass of collection in the Upper Keys. First-pass operations continue in this area, with second passes to follow.

“In Key Colony Beach, two passes have been made throughout the municipality and work will continue next week, as needed.

“In the Lower Keys, from MM 15 to Stock Island, crews have been working the area with two double self-loaders, one roll-off truck, one single self-loader, six 30-cubic-yard dump trailers, eight small dump trailers and associated loading equipment. The first pass is expected to be completed in the Lower Keys in the next two weeks.”

This is despite near-constant rain that’s been pelting the Keys since the first of the month.

The Keys re-opened to tourists on Sunday, Oct. 1, and cruise ships have begun to return to Key West. The Fantasy Fest event scheduled for later this month is still on as scheduled and that’s the first big test of tourists returning to the Keys down Highway 1 and into the Conch Republic.