Bondi subpoenas records of 3 debris-removal companies after Irma

Attorney general investigating whether companies honoring pre-storm contracts

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Florida's attorney general issued subpoenas Monday to three debris-removal companies accused of failing to honor existing contracts with municipalities after Hurricane Irma.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued investigative subpoenas to Deerfield Beach-based AshBritt Inc., Sarasota-based Ceres Environmental Services Inc. and West Palm Beach-based DRC Emergency Services.

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"Sitting debris is a health and safety hazard and needs to be removed as soon as possible, but instead of doing their jobs and helping Floridians recover, apparently some contractors are delaying the work or requesting higher rates," Bondi said in a statement. "These subpoenas seek to answer questions about why many communities are continuing to struggle with the hazards of debris while having to contend with rate hikes."

The subpoenas seek documents showing proof of whether the companies are providing the services for which they are contracted, as well as the estimated time for completion of debris removal, what rates are being charged and whether the rates have been increased after the storm.

Many South Florida municipalities claim they have been subjected to price-gouging by contractors hired to remove the storm debris since Irma brushed the region nearly a month ago.