hurricane debris

If Milton brings heavy winds and a powerful storm surge to the area, the debris from Helene could become hazardous to people, homes and the environment.

Across the greater Tampa Bay region, officials are reminding everyone to be safe and ready for the next storm by trimming your trees.

The Thomases live on 72nd Drive East in northern Sarasota, an area that was spared the worst of Hurricane Ian in late September. But their tree debris hung around for more than two months.

Tropical Storm Elsa, downgraded from a hurricane overnight Wednesday, caused minimal damage to the Tampa Bay Area, but people still experienced some power outages and fallen trees in the middle of roads.

The state is looking to prescribed fires to clean up the massive amount of timber left after Hurricane Michael. Tall Timbers’ Wildland fire scientist,...