PALMETTO, Fla. — Manatee County crews are diligently working to wrap up the final debris removal work orders, with expectations to complete all canal and drainage system debris removal jobs by next month.
County officials report that they began with over 700 jobs on their list, and that number has now dwindled to just a few dozen.
Key Information
- Manatee County crews are focused on completing the remaining debris removal work orders
- From an initial list of over 700 jobs, there are now just under 80 left to finish
- County officials predict that all canal debris removal work will be done by mid-next month
Michael Vickers understands that accomplishing the task requires more than just heavy lifting and machinery.
A member of the Manatee County stormwater maintenance team, he emphasizes that teamwork is essential.
“Our hand signals and communication skills are vital for letting the operator know, ‘Hey, you may need to swing around or it might be better to approach this way,'” he explained. “Our primary focus is on safety.”
Vickers has been working for the county for around four years and describes the job as second nature to him.
“This is part of the Florida lifestyle,” he shared. “Having grown up on a farm cutting down trees, it’s what I am most passionate about. I know what I’m doing, and I’m proficient at it.”
On this occasion, the team was clearing fallen trees and other debris from a section of Palmetto, located west of U.S. 41, to mitigate upstream flooding during storms.
“Many assume that our concern is the volume of water flowing through here,” Vickers pointed out. “In reality, we focus more on the exit flow. Clearing anything that may obstruct and create blockages is our top priority.”
Next month marks a year since the county commenced its canal and drainage debris clearing initiative.
They began with significant projects such as Gamble Creek and Braden River.
From the initial list of approximately 700 jobs, they are now nearing completion with just under 80 left.
“We’re in significantly better shape this year compared to last — even just six months ago,” Vickers commented. “Most of the main systems have been cleared, and most minor canals are now clean. We’re prepared for the storm season.”
As a 17th-generation Floridian, Vickers has a strong understanding of the storm season and knows precisely what must be done to prepare.
“I truly enjoy this work,” he said.
County officials are optimistic that all canal debris removal work will be completed by mid-next month.
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