ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Contractors line the streets in Anastasia Island as crews work gutting homes and pulling debris to the curb.
It’s been more than a month since Hurricane Matthew, but homeowners like Tica Walley are still working to get back to normal.
“Staying calm and trying to remember that this too shall pass,” said Walley.
Like many of her neighbors, Walley’s properties suffered severe water damage.
“Unfortunately they had water throughout from wall to wall, and the walls have been cut out, completely in some areas,” said Walley.
The city said it’s already collected 900 tons of vegetative debris. To put that in perspective, normally the city collects 2,000 tons in a whole year.
Contractors made their final sweep through the city to pick up debris Monday -- a deadline that Walley believes is premature.
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“It seems a little early because we've all been through so much, pressure-wise, that having to rush to get to some self-imposed deadline is a little unnecessary,” said Walley.
St. Augustine Public Works Department officials said they will continue to pick up debris for the rest of the week and even into next week if it’s needed. After that, the Solid Waste Division will return to its normal schedule.
Despite the struggle these last five weeks, Walley remains positive.
“The positive attitude around here is incredibly exhilarating and I think that's holding us all together,” said Walley.
The city said it’s also picked up 64,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris.
If you believe debris pickup crews haven’t passed by your neighborhood in a while, you’re asked to call 904-825-1040.