Extra Police and Fire Support Helps Longboat Key's Hurricane Milton Cleanup Reach New Milestone
Three weeks after Hurricane Milton struck, the debris along Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key is steadily clearing, thanks to a unique collaborative effort from police and fire departments across Florida. Officers from Miami Beach, Jacksonville, and other agencies have come together on the island, aiding the town’s recovery efforts in a major way.
When Longboat Key officials requested assistance from the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the State Emergency Operations Center, the response was swift. Within days, the number of debris-hauling trucks on the island increased from fewer than ten to over forty. The additional officers, tasked with escorting these trucks and managing the island’s traffic, traveled from cities as far as Miami-Dade, Jacksonville, and Miccosukee. Their goal: to ensure an orderly, efficient cleanup while deterring illegal dumping and maintaining public order.
The presence of the extra officers proved critical, particularly as Longboat Key faced issues with scavengers and illegal dumping. Town officials reported that some residents and outsiders were attempting to dispose of debris in unauthorized areas or even trespassing onto private property. The increased patrols sought to curb these activities through a mix of education and enforcement, with officers informing violators before issuing fines or charges if necessary.
The support extended beyond law enforcement. The State Emergency Operations Center deployed a crew of over fifty officers and firefighters from the Jacksonville area, who focused on directing debris trucks and managing traffic flow. With Gulf of Mexico Drive being a state-owned highway, the state committed to two full passes to clear construction debris, tree remnants, and sand buildup. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department staff coordinated operations at a staging area at Whitney Plaza, dispatching dump trucks to designated sites across the island.
As cleanup teams tackled debris well into the night, residents saw the benefits of these combined efforts. While additional traffic delays are expected as officers block lanes for trucks to maneuver safely, Longboat Key has made significant headway. Despite logistical challenges—like the hour-and-forty-five-minute trips to off-island dump sites—the crews moved approximately 100 to 120 loads daily.
With support scheduled to continue through early November, the efforts of officers and firefighters from across Florida underscore the power of collaboration in times of crisis. As cleanup progresses, Longboat Key residents are encouraged to stay patient, plan for delays, and appreciate the ongoing work to restore the island to its pre-storm state.
Officers from various departments stopped at Sips in Whitney Plaza, which recently reopened after the hurricanes. Chris Carter and Lorenzo Condensa (front) said, thanks to a generous donation from a resident, the shop was able to provide free coffee and smoothies to the officers who stopped in.
