Escambia County commissioners heard a lot of “garbage” talk Monday as Dane NeSmith discussed three areas of nuisance properties in the county with the sheriff's office.
Nesmith reported on conditions that led to citations in the western part of the county. The addresses included in the report were 7736 Jack Springs Rd., 946 Johnson Rd. and 196 Nathan Rd.
The Jack Springs Road property, owned by John Anderson, was cited for trash/trash and illegal burning violations, NeSmith said.
“This property is a trailer park where several trailers were gutted and only the frame remained,” NeSmith said. “There is a lot of trash and debris, trees on trailers and vagrants living there and littering the property.”
NeSmith said the owner is willing to work to fix the problems there, but the chances of that happening are slim.
“I’m not sure he can control the situation,” NeSmith said. “He doesn't have the manpower to maintain the property. He can't control the tenants there. It's just a nuisance that needs to be dealt with. It's very rough out there.”
The commission agreed to proceed with approving the citations and enforcing the violated ordinances.
NeSmith also addressed the contract regarding a property at 946 Johnson Rd. owned by Jackie Powers. Powers was also present at Monday's meeting.
NeSmith said Powers had a junk license to operate his business on the property in question.
“He addressed some of the key complaints about the property,” NeSmith said. “But another problem is that there has been burning on the property, including tires and building materials, which is not allowed. He has a license, but he still has to comply with the ordinance. I have suggested a privacy fence on the property, but he is not willing to do that.”
Powers said he believes his company will be highlighted for the privacy fence proposal because other similar companies would not be required to erect such a fence.