Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico and coastal community members called on the island's mayors on Thursday to act immediately to identify and remove debris that remains on numerous beaches, posing safety risks and limiting public use. On Tuesday, the Municipality of Isabela and Mayor Miguel "Ricky" Méndez mobilized a brigade with excavators, trucks and staff to respond to demands from local surfers, residents and Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico at Jobos Beach, an internationally recognized surfing spot. The effort began as a social media complaint, which included a video showing debris such as structural remains, rebar and rocks, before turning into direct communication with the mayor.
More than six trucks full of debris were removed; though no official weighing occurred, an estimated 120,000 to 180,000 pounds (about 60 to 90 tons) of material was taken away, possibly more. The municipality removed larger debris while community members collected smaller rocks and fragments by hand using buckets. Héctor "Tito" Varela Vélez, Director of Programs at Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico, said the action sets an important precedent, noting municipalities have the machinery and communities have identified affected beaches, but political will is needed.
Since Hurricane María in 2017, communities across various municipalities have reported collapsed structures and debris on their beaches.