PORT RICHEY — The city is facing a $3 million cleanup bill after back-to-back hurricanes, and it’s a rare street locally that doesn’t have most of some residents’ possessions piled up by the curb.

But the city is working as fast as it can to clear the streets, City Manager Matthew Coppler said at the Oct. 22 City Council meeting.

Coppler said cleanup crews are working seven days a week and estimated the storms produced 50,000 cubic tons of debris. The city removes up to 505 cubic yards, he said.

Coppler said that rate would keep Port Richey in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements — which must be met for the agency to reimburse costs — but not the city’s self-imposed 45-day deadline.

“We know there is a lot of debris to pick up and a lot of frustration on so many levels,” council member Linda Rodriguez posted on the We Make Sunshine Community Facebook page.

Rodriguez said the city has so far collected 5,000 cubic yards of debris — a drop in the bucket compared to what needs to be done — using a contractor and city trucks. City trucks only hold 10 to 20 cubic meters of debris at a time. The contractor’s trucks have 160.

She said FEMA only recently paid $60,000 of the $96,000 it will reimburse Port Richey for cleanup after last year’s Hurricane Idalia.

“For us to get the money, we have to follow their rules,” she said.

Rodriguez said Port Richey has applied to FEMA for an expedited plan, hoping to receive 50 percent of the cost of this year’s cleanup, which should help speed up the process.

“I know all of this is difficult when we drive by and see everyone’s kitchen tables, mattresses, dressers, all of life sitting on the curb,” she said. “In my 37 years in Port Richey, I have never seen this level of devastation. The City of Port Richey does everything possible to minimize costs to us, the taxpayers. … Dealing with insurance companies, FEMA and being reminded every minute that your life is on the line is overwhelming. I can’t say “sorry” enough. We will continue to work hard to take care of him. I promise you.”

• • •

What to know about FEMA checks, other federal aid in Florida after Milton

Could Tampa Bay flood insurance increase after a hurricane? A warning from Hurricane Ian

11 ways to help struggling Tampa Bay businesses after Milton and Helene

How to manage fires, tree limbs and other hazards after Hurricane Milton

Checklists for building all types of storm kits.