By Cindy Peterson
Lake County’s Hurricane Cleanup Breaks Records
In the wake of severe weather, Lake County has launched its largest debris collection effort ever, surpassing the scale of cleanup following Hurricane Irma. With an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of debris—the equivalent of 50,000 dump trucks stretched across 250 miles—the County is setting new records in efficiency and innovation to assist its residents.
Key Highlights of the Cleanup Effort
- Record-Breaking Cleanup: In just two months, Lake County crews have collected 500,000 cubic yards of debris, eclipsing Hurricane Irma’s cleanup, which took four months to gather 440,000 cubic yards.
- Innovative Solutions: Facing a shortage of contractors, the County purchased its own equipment to expedite the debris collection process.
- Massive Scale: Crews are working tirelessly across 1,300+ miles of roads to ensure all areas are served.
- Human Impact: Over 25,000 residents have already benefited from the ongoing cleanup efforts.
Lake County’s leadership and teams have prioritized residents’ needs throughout this unprecedented cleanup. Thank you to Emergency Management Director Megan Milanese, Solid Waste Director David Salinas, and County Chairman Leslie Campione, who have been instrumental in overcoming logistical challenges and finding creative solutions to accelerate the recovery process.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
