Residents of Turtle Creek demand action after smoke and ash from land clearing fires

In the heart of St. Cloud, Florida, residents gathered at the city council meeting on December 12, 2024, to voice their concerns over the environmental impact of land clearing burns associated with a new development. The Turtle Creek Subdivision, located near the Lakeside of Satilla project, has been at the center of a heated discussion following complaints about excessive smoke and ash from the burning of orange groves.

One resident, Steven Hobbs, shared his distressing experience with the council, detailing how the smoke from the burns had infiltrated his home and neighborhood for weeks. "This is some of the worst smoke I've ever seen in my 15 years living in Florida," he lamented, highlighting the damage caused to his property, including a clogged swimming pool and solar panels. Hobbs expressed frustration over the lack of communication and accountability from the developers, Central Florida Land Concepts, and the Florida Forest Service, which had approved the burns.

Fire Chief Jason Miller addressed the council, explaining that while the Florida Forest Service regulates land clearing burns, the city could take steps to mitigate future issues. He proposed the possibility of passing a resolution to ban such burns within city limits, a measure that had previously struggled to gain traction. Chief Miller emphasized the importance of real-time reporting from residents to address any health hazards caused by smoke.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of agricultural exemptions that might allow for burning practices to continue, even if the city enacts stricter regulations. City officials acknowledged the need for further research into these exemptions and the potential for a comprehensive ordinance that could include a general burn ban during drought conditions.

As the meeting concluded, residents left with a sense of urgency, hoping that their voices would lead to meaningful changes in how land clearing is managed in their community. The council's next steps could significantly impact not only the Turtle Creek neighborhood but also the broader approach to development and environmental safety in St. Cloud.