Storm Response
I can't believe I'm here writing yet another one of these just two weeks later, but here we are. Your OSHNA board of trustees is incredibly proud of the uncountable acts of neighborliness we've seen across Old Seminole Heights, from chainsaw services to charging stations, offering hot showers, meals, or just companionship in the dark. Some of us, your president included, did not get power back until yesterday—and a few spots in the neighborhood are still waiting.
We thank everyone who volunteered to fill sandbags at the Sulphur Springs Pool, with efforts to clear our streets of debris or fallen trees, and everyone who helped their neighbor with a downed fence, yard waste, or anything else.
OSHNA is working on an organized response to the storm and what we can do to help restore our neighborhood. We hope to see you at our quarterly general membership meeting on Tuesday to add your input on what we can do. In the meantime, you can do your part by helping reduce the amount of time it will take the city to deal with all its solid waste accumulation by self-serving your own yard waste or a neighbor's.
One of Tampa's two yard waste drop-off sites is here in Old Seminole Heights:
22nd Street Park (7801 N 22nd St) open Monday - Saturday 7am - 5pm
Bring ID with you to prove you live in the city of Tampa.
All HART buses are free through the end of the weekend. Please take advantage of them, if only to go down Florida or Nebraska to dine out at one of our many terrific restaurants or get a beer from one of our magnificent breweries. Our neighbors with businesses need you more than ever!
Due to unprecedented amounts of storm debris, Solid Waste services are revised. Yard Waste and Recycling teams are working alongside debris management contractors to collect storm debris from neighborhoods and restore the City to pre-storm conditions.
- Storm Debris: Collection is ongoing and residents are encouraged to use the guidelines listed below.
- Commercial Customers: All collection services are running as normal.
- Residential Customers: Garbage services are running as normal.
Yard waste and recycling services are suspended until further notice
.
- The McKay Bay Transfer Station and Scale House, located at 114 S. 34th Street is open to the public. For disposal information, visit
tampa.gov/solidwaste
.
- SWEEP and Yard Waste: Collection is suspended until further notice.
To facilitate the quick and efficient collection of storm debris at the curb residents are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:
CURBSIDE DISPOSAL OPTION:
- Collection: Crews will collect damaged household items, construction debris, and vegetative-storm debris from the curb.
- Household-Storm Debris: Place damaged household items and construction debris separately from vegetative storm debris curbside and three feet away from obstructions, such as parked vehicles.
- Vegetative-Storm Debris: Place vegetative-storm debris curbside in a pile or in a non-city-issued garbage container or yard waste paper bag. Vegetative storm debris includes shrubs, palm fronds, tree limbs, grass, leaves, twigs, and branches.
ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL OPTIONS:
Mixed Debris - Self Disposal
Self-disposal at McKay Bay Disposal Complex at 112 34th Street.
Open M-F from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to Noon. Sunday Closed.
- City of Tampa residents can dispose of all storm related debris for free of charge by presenting a government issued ID .
- The name on the ID must match the name on the account, and waste must originate at the address stated on the account.
- Private Haulers will be assessed a fee.
Vegetative Debris – Self Disposal
Free citizen drop-off sites are established at the following locations to accept vegetative storm debris only.
Open M-SA from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 22nd Street Park at 7801 N. 22nd Street
- Gadsen Park at 6901 S MacDill Avenue
Customers are encouraged to download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app on the
Apple
and
Google Play
Stores to receive real-time updates on service schedules. For any questions or concerns, customers may contact the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center at
(813) 274-8811
or visit the website at
http://www.tampa.gov/solidwaste
.
Beware of Contractor Scams
After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of Floridians in need of expert service.
If you have been approached to have work done on or at your home, you can check if that individual is licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or by going to
myfloridalicense.com
.
If property is damaged from the storm, the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers these tips when hiring a contractor:
- Insurance evaluation - Ensure repair work will be covered under your insurance policy. Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs.
- Estimates – Obtain at least three written, itemized estimates on bids or repairs
- Bogus offers - Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job
- Do your research – To check on a company’s reputation, look for references online or ask a friend. Also check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured, and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
or by calling the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (866) 9NO-SCAM.
- Bonded - Make sure a contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency
- Read the fine print – Although it may be daunting, read the entire contract before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand penalties that may be imposed for cancellation.
- Liens - Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments. Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title.
- Deposits and final payment - Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront and be wary before providing large deposits. Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.
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