County reports progress on illegal dumping, roadside mowing and road grading; asks public to report hot spots

Hardee County public works staff told commissioners on Oct. 2 they are actively addressing illegal dumping, roadside trash and mowing and continuing a rotation of grading operations across the county.

The county manager and public works staff said they are working with the franchise garbage contractor to reduce illegal dumping, and a combination of contractor pickup and county road crews has been handling reported dumping sites. Road and Bridge staff said the county is hiring additional equipment operators and expects improved mowing and ditch‑clearing cadence as staffing and equipment reliability increase.

Commissioners asked about hotspots, grading rotation and collection points for residents. Manager Baber said the county will investigate creating common collection points in problem locations — for example, moving trash cans to a congregated pickup location where appropriate — and will coordinate with the franchise contractor to reduce curbside excess and bulky‑item complaints. Staff said the new grader and additional trained operators are improving turnaround times for road grading and that the county will continue to address urgent potholes or rutted areas as they arise.

Commissioners asked residents to submit specific problem locations to staff. Public works urged patience while crews respond and noted weather and equipment downtime sometimes delay scheduled mowing and grading.