(Note: As of 9/21/04, a total of 756,156 cubic yards of debris have been collected by Lee County, which is 22,521 truckloads.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brigitte Kantor, Lee County Solid Waste Division
              (239) 338-3302

Deadline for Yard Debris Clean-Up

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 23, 2004) -

1. Lee County Solid Waste is starting the final sweep of yard debris in St. James City, Matlacha area, Burntstore Marina, Cape Royale, and Andalusia Woods area beginning Monday, September 27th. Residents in these areas are asked to have their horticultural debris resulting from hurricanes Charley or Frances at the curb on Sunday the 26th of September.

Once this sweep is completed, set out procedures in accordance to Lee County's Solid Waste Ordinance will become effective again. All tree limbs and branches must either be bundled or containerized with each unit being 50 lbs or less (bag, bundle, container). Palm fronds (50 lbs or less) may be placed loose at the curb. Branches and tree limbs must be less than 6 ft in length. Residents may set out an unlimited amount of bags, bundles or containers.

2. The following is effective for residents of Bonita Springs and Estero located South of Corkscrew Road and Residents of San Carlos Park and all areas North of Corkscrew Road and South of Gladiolus/Six Mile Cypress Parkway:

Lee County's hurricane debris removal contractor has completed the debris recovery from Hurricane Charley. The contractor has completed two passes on each street to ensure all debris is collected. All yard waste must NOW be tied or containerized in order to be collected by the franchise hauling company. Palm fronds (up to 50 lbs) may be stacked loose and neatly at the curb.

3. Second and final passes have begun North of Gladiolus to the Fort Myers City limits, East of Gateway, West to the Caloosahatchee River and South to Punta Rassa/Mantanzas Pass. Second and final passes have also begun for North Fort Myers to Alva, East Fort Myers/Tice to Olga, Buckingham and Fort Myers Shores areas.

Beginning SEPTEMBER 26, 2004 residents in areas living in the above mentioned areas (see previous paragraph 3.) have to tie or containerize all yard waste in order for it to be collected by the franchise hauling company. Palm fronds (up to 50 lbs) may be stacked loose and neatly at the curb.

The Solid Waste Division thanks the residents of Lee County for their efforts and assistance. Any questions may be directed to the Solid Waste Division at 338-3302.