Residents press county for environmental testing at former Sunset Lane asphalt plant

Resident Dave Hensley addressed the commission during the public comment period to raise concerns about potential contamination at a former asphalt plant on Sunset Lane in Shalimar. Hensley said residents launched a Change.org petition titled 'Demand Phase 1 Environmental Testing at Former Asphalt Plant on Sunset Lane' and had gathered nearly 120 signatures. He said the group retained Jeff Madix, president of GLM Associates, to design and collect well samples along North Drive and Sherland Drives following Florida DEP protocols; Hensley said results were expected in about a month and would be provided to the county.

Hensley also raised queries about a public‑notice sign at the plant that had been lying face down for two weeks and asked who was responsible for maintaining posted notices. He said a DEP records search had not returned records for the plant site and asked staff to clarify the oversight and notification responsibilities.

No formal county action was taken at the meeting; residents said they would share testing results when available and continue outreach.