LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland has released a plan to combat people illegally dumping in the city.
- Lakeland to crack down on illegal dumping
- Dumping occurring at W. Elliot St near Kathleen & I-4
- New "no trespassing or dumping" signs placed in area
The issue came to a head when a commissioner complained about the dumping happening on W. Elliot Street near Kathleen Road and I-4, according to Brian Rewis, the city’s Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development.
City crews cleared that lot of trash and debris in late February, but residents said it’s been a problem for years.
“It really gets ridiculous around the corner,” Charles Brown said.
He believes people have been dumping stuff at night. Every time it’s cleaned up, he said people return and dump more.
“They’ll bring it from where they don’t want to go to the landfill and pay the money. They’ll bring it and trash your neighborhood and make it look terrible around there,” Brown said.
(Courtesy of the City of Lakeland)
Increased patrols are just one of the tactics the city plans on using to keep vacant land like the plot on W. Elliott St. free of dumping.
Rewis said it’s part of the city’s new five prong approach to tackle the issue. City staff has also created new signs that state, “No trespassing or dumping. Violators will be prosecuted.” They plan to place them in problem areas soon, hoping to discourage the illegal activity. Staff also plans to work with property owners to help them better maintain their properties.
“We partner with the owners of the properties that are prone to illegal or that are or have been attractive to illegal dumping, to get them to make changes to their property. Improvements to make it not as attractive to that illegal dumper. Keep it mowed properly. Keep the trees cut,” Rewis explained.
(Courtesy of the City of Lakeland)
Also, the city is working to encourage people living near the dumpsites to report it. Brown said he would if he could.
“You don’t know who did it. Once they dump it, they’re gone. You never know who did it,” he said.
If the cops find out who’s the culprit, the penalties could be steep and possibly involve an arrest.
“Illegal dumping is a crime. It’s a violation of Florida liter law ranging from civil penalty, depending on the nature and volume of illegally dumped material, up to a third degree felony,” Rewis explained.
Rewis said police have put cameras up in some areas but have been unable to catch anyone dumping so far.
The city is also working with its redevelopment agency to look into acquiring some of its problem spots and redeveloping the land.