Residents of the Sullivan Ranch neighborhood in Mount Dora have lived with a strong odor for years, prompting a growing chorus of complaints to local officials. After a 2025 city‑commissioned study linked the smell to the nearby Mid‑Florida Materials landfill, Lake County took the next step: a lawsuit.
Community voices drive action
“I have been dealing with the smell for fourteen years in Sullivan Ranch,” said one longtime resident. Another added, “It’s been a serious problem for the past five or six years for me and my family.” A third neighbor explained that she has been reporting the issue to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) since 2020, yet the odor persists.
Those complaints reflect a broader concern that the odor is not merely a nuisance but a threat to the community’s enjoyment of their homes and the safety of local water resources.
County officials move forward with legal action
During a Tuesday meeting, the Lake County Commission voted unanimously—four to zero—to pursue a lawsuit against both the FDEP and Mid‑Florida Materials. Assistant County Attorney Alexis Clark outlined the legal basis, citing Florida’s Environmental Protection Act, Section 403.412, which empowers governments to seek injunctions against polluters and to compel state agencies to enforce environmental permits.
The complaint will also name the City of Mount Dora and the Lake County Water Authority as co‑plaintiffs, underscoring concerns that the landfill could be contaminating adjacent property and water supplies. “We have property that we are fearful is getting contaminated from this site,” a commissioner noted, prompting the Water Authority’s agreement to join the suit.
Previous attempts and ongoing concerns
Commissioner Anthony Sabatini explained that the county first pursued an administrative hearing to challenge the landfill’s practices, but the hearing process offered limited remedies. With that avenue exhausted, the commission turned to litigation as the most effective tool to protect residents.
Mid‑Florida Materials, which operates the landfill, previously asserted that its facility remained in full compliance with applicable air‑quality regulations and pledged to address any concerns raised by the DEP. However, the continued odor complaints suggest that compliance on paper may not translate into relief for nearby families.
What this means for residents
The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the DEP to enforce the landfill’s permits and to halt any ongoing emissions that cause the odor. If successful, the action could lead to stricter monitoring, potential operational changes at the landfill, and greater accountability for environmental impacts.
Lake County officials thanked community members for their persistence, noting that the unanimous vote reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding health, property values, and the quality of life in Sullivan Ranch and surrounding areas.
Next steps
The complaint will be filed with the appropriate circuit court, and the parties will have an opportunity to respond. Residents hope the legal process will bring a lasting resolution to a problem that has lingered for over a decade.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
