Saint Cloud residents demand action on smoke and ash from Lakeside development burns

The St. Cloud City Council meeting on December 12, 2024, highlighted significant community concerns regarding land clearing practices and their impact on local residents. A key discussion arose from a resident's complaint about excessive smoke and ash from controlled burns associated with the Lakeside of Satilla development. Steven Hobbs, a Turtle Creek resident, detailed how the burning of orange groves led to severe ash fallout in his neighborhood, affecting his property and health.

Hobbs reported that the burns, conducted by Central Florida Land Concepts, occurred daily for two weeks, creating a nuisance that he described as the worst he had experienced in 15 years. He expressed frustration over the lack of communication and response from the developers regarding the cleanup of ash that damaged his home and swimming pool. Hobbs urged the city council to take action to prevent similar situations in the future, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on land clearing burns.

In response, Fire Chief Jason Miller acknowledged the challenges posed by the Florida Forest Service's regulations on controlled burns. He suggested that the city could consider passing a resolution to ban land clearing burns altogether, although previous attempts had not gained traction. The council expressed a consensus to explore this option further, with the city manager indicating that they would reach out to the developers to address the concerns raised by Hobbs.

The meeting also included discussions on a settlement agreement related to a zoning dispute, but the primary focus remained on the environmental and health implications of land clearing practices. The council's willingness to consider new regulations reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance development with community well-being.

As the city moves forward, residents are hopeful that their voices will lead to meaningful changes that protect their health and property from the impacts of development activities.