In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a concerning case of alleged illicit discharge from a barbecue stand located behind a Shell gas station. The meeting featured testimonies from city officials, including stormwater engineer Venetia Barnes and code enforcement officer Isaac Saucedo, who provided insights into the situation.

The issue came to light when a contractor working on a nearby road reported strong odors emanating from the storm drain, prompting an investigation. Barnes explained that the storm drain showed signs of old grease and food debris, raising concerns about potential environmental violations. Saucedo corroborated this, noting a foul smell and visible grease stains during his inspection.

Barnes detailed her interactions with the store manager, who was unaware of the discharge issues. She emphasized the need for further investigation, as the storm drain is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) system, complicating jurisdictional responsibilities. Photographic evidence was presented, showing the extent of the contamination.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing environmental concerns and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Officials are now coordinating with FDOT to investigate the matter further, highlighting the collaborative efforts necessary to tackle such issues effectively.