A Tampa couple says a runaway dumpster propelled by Hurricane Helene severely damaged their home.
Robert and Carolyn Greene filed their complaint April 30 in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Six Nations Inc.
According to the complaint, Michigan-based Six Nations provides refuse services to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Specifically, the company owns and operates dumpsters located on the base.
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit Tampa, causing a storm surge in Tampa Bay.
On September 26, 2024, a Six Nations dumpster from MacDill Air Force Base began to drift across Hillsborough Bay before making contact with the Greene’s residence along Martinique Avenue. The impact of the dumpster caused catastrophic damage, according to the complaint.
The dumpster struck a rear wall of the Greene residence, causing the wall and a window to collapse. After the damage, the residence was rendered unhabitable.
The complaint says Six Nations should have been aware of Hurricane Helene and the potential damage it could cause and had a duty to ensure its dumpsters were secure.
It also says Six Nations had advance warning of the intense hurricane and could have secured the dumpster to avoid this damage.
The Greenes accuse Six Nations of negligence, saying they have suffered damages in excess of $50,000. They seek compensatory damages, actual damages, interest, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
They are being represented by J. Travis Godwin and Savannah T. Spears of Gunster Yoakley & Stewart in Tampa.
Hillsborough County Circuit Court case number 222153887