During the time allotted for citizen comments at the 5/10/16 BOCC meeting, Jim King was taken to task for scheduling another prescribed burning in Cypress Lakes Preserve. Shirley Miketinac referred to the 5/6/16 Hernando Sun interview with King in which he stated that the oaks did not belong at Cypress Lakes, and more longleaf pines were needed. King also discussed the process and benefits of burning in the article, but Miketinac rebutted this, citing sources that explained that burns were actually more destructive than productive.
Commissioner Nick Nicholson responded to Miketinac’s concerns, stating that the county has “no control” over the burning because it is a state issue. Chairman Jim Adkins and Nicholson suggested contacting Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, or other state legislators to complain about the practice. Commissioner Diane Rowden asked to have state officials present at a future BOCC meeting to explain to the public the policy of burning. County Administrator Leonard Sossamon stated invitations to state officials would be issued and a date scheduled for their appearance.