JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s been 10 days since Hurricane Mathew left our area covered in storm debris and some Jacksonville neighbors are wondering when the trucks will arrive to haul it all away.
In 2009, the City of Jacksonville signed a contract with J.B. Coxwell to provide emergency debris removal if it were ever needed.
“When the trash pick-up didn’t come, we assumed the next week it would be here and it didn’t come," Royce Badger said. "Now we’re right back in the same position."
Badger takes care of his Trout River property and has put countless time and money into it. That’s why he wants to know why loose storm debris is still sitting in his neighborhood.
Action News Jax obtained the city's 2009 contract with J.B. Coxwell for emergency debris removal.
The total base bid was $22 million. On page eight, it says Coxwell will be paid $11.15 per cubic yard to take vegetation debris to a temporary storage site.
Two sources tell Action News Jax that Coxwell is offering far less to subcontractors, around $6 per cubic yard. We’re told the low numbers could be keeping many companies from signing up, which could be slowing down the removal process.
Action News Jax reached out to the city and learned it doesn’t monitor how many trucks are out, only containers they have to pick up debris – which is roughly is 154. Our calls and email to J.B. Coxwell were not returned.
City Councilman John Crescembini tells us the goal was to have 250 trucks out on the street. Homeowners like Badger want to see those trucks roll down their streets soon.
“Everybody in my neighborhood is complaining about it because it’s turning the grass yellow," he said. "It’s bringing rodents and bugs.”
We confirmed the city has paid J.B. Coxwell $550,000 for citywide emergency debris management in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
A spokesperson said that "based on the mayor’s strong commitment to post-storm efforts, there is great focus and emphasis on debris management.”
Cox Media Group
