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Controversial sand mine coming to Levy County

Levy County Commissioners voted on Tuesday to approve a 1,100 acre sand mine on land surrounded by residential homes, farms and businesses.

Lailja Ware is a Levy County resident and owns a farm that neighbors the land that will now be used to construct the future sand mine.

“Politics…they did not follow ordinances, lots of angry people,” said Ware.

Before the meeting she said if the plan is approved, she would have to move.

“It’s like, yeah, we worked all our lives to have this be our end times and I wouldn’t live here anymore,” she said.

Businesses like Cactus Island Nursery and the Rosemary Hill Observatory fear they might have to close their doors for good.

“When you kick open a hornets nest and threaten environmental degradation, destruction of natural heritage and people’s health, property and our watershed, it’s time to take action,” said owner of Cactus Island Nursery James Freeman.

James tried fighting at yesterday’s meeting, but public comment wasn’t allowed. Some residents are concerned the dust from the sand mine will pollute the air. Rosemary Hill Observatory says the dust particles would ruin equipment likely leading to permanent closure.

Other residents say they are concerned about the safety of the drinking water. According to the proposal the workers would dig down 76 feet, but the drinking water’s seasonal high is only 79 feet.

Several residents say they are upset about the noise. Levy County code allows for up to 65 decibels.

“We’re expecting over 105,” said resident Kimberly Swift.

Lailja Ware said she and her neighbors have only been able to contact landowner Ryan Thomas by sending letters, but they haven’t heard back. WUFT reporters Derrah Getter and Natasha Holt were met with the same response.

“My client has advised me not to speak,” said land buyer and president of DNM Associates Douglas VanDeursen.

Derrah is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Natasha is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.