Developer offers solution after kicking up Grove City dust

GROVE CITY, Fla. A construction company blamed for kicking up dust that blanketed homes believes it has a fix for the problem.

Charlotte County officials issued a stop-work order April 14 for the Island Lake Estates development after nearby residents complained about construction debris. The developer is planning to bring in water tanks that will be used to spray the ground to keep dust from flying everywhere, according to Charlotte County officials.

It’s unclear if it will work. The developer’s original solution was to set up a chain-link fence with a silt covering to help manage the dust, but nearby residents insisted it wasn’t enough.

“I’m just a guy trying to live a life in Florida, but I can’t even open my windows, and now I can’t even live in my house,” resident Scott Myers said.

Myers boarded up his home and left the neighborhood because the dust had covered his home inside and out. His insurance company is currently paying for a temporary rental home.

“They should have done it right the first time,” Myers said. “Two acres at a time, clear it, put top soil on it and go to the next 2 acres. They chose not to and they did the whole thing at once, and it’s out of control.”