Workers from A1VIP Lawn Service cut trees and clear debris in South Dade after Hurricane Irma.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF A1VIP LAWN SERVICE

Staff Report

Though Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida almost two weeks ago, many residents are still working to return to a sense of normalcy.

Relief efforts have been in full swing across the state, with many individuals and organizations providing food, water, ice and other essentials to those in need.

However, there are other areas residents affected by the storm need to address, including debris removal, lawn clean up and repairing water damage from the storm.

Some residents may not know where to begin, but there are two local, blackowned companies based in South Florida that offer services that can make dealing with some of Irma’s devastation easier.

According to Joshua Jones, owner of A1VIP Lawn Service, there have been numerous reports of inexperienced homeowners attempting to cut down trees and saw through branches on their own, only to suffer terrible injuries.

Jones said his company, which has been serving the South Dade community for over 20 years, can help prevent accidents by offering expert tree trimming, debris clean up and other services post Irma.

“At A1VIP, our priority is to ensure no one has a tree on their premises that has caused a dangerous condition for their families or neighbors. We’ll be clearing lawns in South Miami-Dade at a reasonable rate,” Jones said.

Mr. Restoration deals with water, mold, fire and smoke damage to homes.

Owned by Stephen Rowe, the company is offering a free assessment of homes to see if they have sustained property damage from Irma.

“It’s just important that people know that we are here as far as property damage,” Rowe said while volunteering at a free hot breakfast event. “ Services like today, like food and water are definitely a necessity, but maintaining your home that has been under storm surge is very important because if those materials aren’t addressed mold can start to develop and that just gets more and more costly.”

Rowe said they work with various insurance companies.

To reach A1VIP for tree cutting, lawncleanup and debris removal needs, call 305-253-7087 or visit a1viplawn.com.

To set up a free assessment with Mr. Restoration, call 1-844-878-5285 or email info@mrrestorationfl.com.