Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beekeeper and residents allege bee, livestock losses after herbicide spraying; commissioners asked for written county response
Summary
A Gulf Breeze beekeeper said about 60 hives were affected and requested testing; another resident cited recent overspray that they say killed poultry and livestock, and asked the county to take action and issue public information.
Melissa Kalis, who identified herself as a beekeeper from Gulf Breeze, told the commission her hives were damaged and that she collected 20 gallons of harvested honey she intends to test at the University of Florida. "My bees were killed," she said, adding she has visited the property weekly for nine months to care for the hives and requested county assistance and a committee to investigate.
Jerry Cooley, speaking earlier in the public forum, described what he called dangerous herbicide application practices by a utility and alleged overspray killed more than 50 chickens in a nearby area. Cooley urged the county to press utilities to stop spraying and recommended the county produce written information to alleviate public concerns. Staff did not announce immediate enforcement action during the meeting; commissioners agreed the concerns warranted follow-up and several related items including mosquito control monitoring were placed on the consent agenda for the next meeting.
Why it matters: Allegations of pesticide or herbicide overspray that harm pollinators or livestock raise public-health and environmental concerns and may require cross-jurisdictional investigation, testing and policy responses.
