Indian Rocks Beach officials are bracing for an estimated $1. 5 million bill for debris removal following the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a recent news conference, City Manager Gregg Mims revealed that more than 25,000 cubic yards of storm debris have been cleared from the city, highlighting the scale of the damage. The city initiated its cleanup efforts by increasing its debris removal fleet from just eight to 38 trucks, a necessary move to handle the aftermath of the storms effectively. Mims emphasized the importance of the city's financial reserves, which have doubled over the past decade, in facilitating the recovery process.

Local officials, including state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, attended the meeting to support the community's recovery efforts and discuss future strategies. The city plans to aggressively pursue reimbursements from FEMA, which could alleviate some financial burdens. The gathered community expressed resilience and hope amid the ongoing recovery efforts. The collaboration between city officials and residents illustrates a united front in rebuilding the barrier island following the hurricanes.