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Student tells Pasco commissioners a county truck sprayed chemicals into neighborhood pond; staff asked to investigate
Summary
A 22-year-old environmental science student told the board he saw a Pasco County truck spray green chemicals into his neighborhood pond, later observing orange algae in nearby storm drains; commissioners directed staff to inspect the pond and asked him to connect with JP Murphy or Branford.
Logan O'Leary, a 22-year-old environmental science student at St. Petersburg College and member of Fighters for Florida, told the Pasco County commission on April 21 that a county truck sprayed chemicals into a pond near his home and that the water later exhibited orange algae.
"I have seen the landscaping company spray harmful chemicals into my pond and it is now overrun with algae," O'Leary said, adding that he worried about oxygen loss in spawning beds and broader ecosystem harm. He asked whether the board’s agenda item C19 on water quality would address his concerns.
Chairman Mariano and other commissioners suggested O'Leary meet with JP Murphy or Branford for a site visit to investigate. "If you can find out what that pond is and let's go take a look at that and see what's going on," the chair said. The student was encouraged to remain engaged; the board did not take an immediate regulatory action during the meeting but directed staff-level follow-up.
