When Michael Entner buried his wife, Valerie, at Ponceannah Cemetery in Paisley last month, he never imagined he would soon be fighting a different kind of mess. Within weeks, the private burial ground was being overrun with discarded diapers, condom wrappers, beer cans and other refuse.
“You name it, it’s there,” Entner said, describing the growing pile of litter that not only disrespected the resting place of loved ones but also threatened the integrity of graves. He traced the problem to a public easement that cuts through the cemetery and is part of the Ocala Forest Road system, a federal road that has become a convenient dumping spot.
County response
Lake County Commissioner and Chairman Leslie Campione heard Entner’s call for help and immediately coordinated a joint effort to address the issue. “It was just a joint effort, volunteers, county staff, we were just trying to get everything cleaned up as quickly as we could,” Campione said.
Multiple county departments were deployed, including Keep Lake Beautiful, Solid Waste, and Parks and Trails. Together they organized a cleanup day that removed dozens of bags of trash and cleared the roadway that runs through the cemetery.
Looking for a lasting fix
While the cleanup provided temporary relief, Entner warned that the problem persists. “What has to happen now is this road needs to move,” he said, urging officials to consider rerouting or better securing the easement to prevent future dumping.
Campione indicated that the county is now working with state and federal partners to explore options for a more permanent solution. She also asked any Lake County resident who witnesses illegal dumping to contact law enforcement, emphasizing community responsibility in protecting sacred spaces.
Community involvement
The effort highlighted the power of local volunteers and county staff working side by side. Residents who joined the cleanup expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor those buried at Ponceannah Cemetery and to keep the area respectful for future generations.
“We’re proud to help our neighbors and preserve the dignity of this cemetery,” one volunteer said.
As discussions continue on how to address the underlying easement issue, the county’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding community landmarks and upholding the values of family, faith, and individual liberty that define Lake County.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
