Clearwater residents nauseated by smell of debris in waterways

Debris piling up in Pinellas County waterways

Residents who live along Pinellas County waterways say the smell of debris in the waterways is putrid and they worry it’s causing a safety and a health hazard. Jennifer Kveglis reports.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Island Estates residents are growing concerned for their health and safety as debris collects in their waterways.

Jewell and Michael Ullvens recently moved from Tarpon Springs into their home at the end of a canal in the community. They said they prepared the best they could for Helene.

"There was water in the front going up and down the streets," Jewell Ullvens explained. "It went up about a foot to our front door. We still have foam around our windows and doors from where Michael sealed us in."

READ: Another tropical storm could develop in Caribbean Sea after Halloween as hurricane season nears final month

But it was Hurricane Milton that dredged up a mucky mess in their backyard canal.

"We've got other people's decks, we've got wood, we've got Styrofoam, trash, bottles, a lot of debris. I see some glass," Jewell Ullvens said.

The couple described the smell as unbearable.

READ: Free program helping Bay Area residents temporarily fix roofs after back-to-back hurricanes

"Nauseating," she stated. "The smell is worse than sewage and I don't even know if it's healthy to breathe it in."

The Florida Department of Health recently confirmed 14 cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Pinellas County following the storms.

"We just don't want any more catastrophes," Jewell Ullvens shared. "We don't want another problem."

The couple said they reached out to the city of Clearwater but could not get a straight answer from a department about what's being done to clean up the sludge.

"Nobody seems to know who we can contact," she said.

After this story aired, FOX 13 heard back from the city of Clearwater. They said, "The state has hired a contractor to collect and dispose of marine debris. The state (FWC) is also handling derelict vessels from Helene and Milton. The portal to report marine debris and derelict vessels is https://floridadebriscleanup.com/#!/submit. They can use the Debris Inquiry Form to report, or they can call 850-366-6007. The call center is open 7 days a week from 8am – 5pm."

A FEMA spokesperson also told FOX 13 that it does not pick up debris or control local jurisdictions’ debris, waste management or landfill operations.

A Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesperson said, "FDEM is working collaboratively with state and local agencies to remove waterway debris and derelict vessels, ensuring the safety and navigability of Florida’s waterways, and is actively surveying these areas in Pinellas County."

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: