‘Don’t think they spank him hard enough’: Neighbors outraged Florida businessman continues to operate illegal dump on protected wetlands — despite agreeing to clean up the site last year

Unauthorized dumping next door

Problems with Sanchez's dumping grounds came to light more than a year ago, with Action News reporting in early 2024 that he was operating an unpermitted dump in an environmentally sensitive wetland.

The news team's cameras recorded a three-story-high mound of debris, mostly construction and demolition materials, at Snchez’s property on Hartford Street — and the pile was still growing, with trucks continuing to arrive at the site.

"Any sort of material that would be put in a wetland that could degrade its environment would require an authorization from EPC point blank,” Michael Lynch, director of wetlands at Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), told Action News at the time.

“Currently, the site on Hartford Street has no authorization from EPC or any other regulatory body."

Authorization is required because of the serious consequences that can come from dumping in wetlands.

“We are in the state of Florida in a very delicate ecosystem. It has to be protected at all costs,” Walter Smith II, owner of an environmental engineering firm and Sierra Club member, told Action News last year.

Sanchez did sign an agreement last year with the county to clean up the site, Action News reported, but hasn’t yet done so. The EPC has now alerted him that he missed the November 2024 deadline included in the agreement, and thus owes a fine of $7,900.

This site isn't the only cause for concern, either, as neighbors near another unpermitted dumping site run by Sanchez have also made complaints to officials.

"Dust just continually pours over this building,” said Truman in a video he sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, shared with Action News.

Truman told reporters that he has to service the air conditioners at his flooring business on Linebaugh Avenue every three months and regularly replace carpets because of the dust, but it doesn't help much — and it could be more than just an issue of cleanliness.

“Concrete has what you call silicates in it. Those silicates can get into the air and cause a real problem if the dust isn’t taken care of,” Smith said in a recent interview with Action News.

"It's very dangerous."

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The state takes action — but is it enough?

After Action News originally reported on the unmitigated wetland dump in 2024, officials did spring into action, filing civil lawsuits against Sanchez for both of the unpermitted dumping sites he's running, alleging repeat offences. Officials are seeking fines of $15,000 daily if Sanchez doesn't correct course.

Sanchez has also been charged with a felony violation of litter laws in Florida, as well as misdemeanor violations of environmental protection rules by the Hillsborough CountyState Attorney's Office, Action News confirmed.

Still, Smith thinks more should have been done — and sooner.

"I would have thought that they would have nipped this in the bud a long time ago. There appears to be a consistent pattern of defiance," Smith said, arguing that the delay may make it seem like officials aren't as serious as they should be about enforcing the law.

"It says I can get away with this for just a little while longer. And that’s not the type of message that needs to be had,”

For his part, the news channel reports that Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to the criminal offenses and denied wrongdoing in the civil cases. He's also listed the Hartford Street site for sale, with the listing stating the property owner is in the process of environmental cleanup of wetland areas.

He has until July 1 to comply with the court's new cleanup order. When he talked to the Action New reporters last year, he said "It’s all being dealt with. And as I said, I'm not giving any statement. You talk to my attorney.”

How businesses can stay compliant — and how concerned citizens can report them if they don't

Sanchez may have gotten away with violating environmental rules for a while, but he's been fined and penalties could get worse pending the outcome of the civil and criminal cases against him.

Companies that don't want to face these hassles should make sure they follow their state and local laws, including getting permits before dumping and making sure they are not performing any unauthorized operations in environmentally sensitive or protected areas.

Citizens who spot rule violations can also do their part by reporting them so officials can take action. The process for doing this can vary by state, but usually involves:

• Taking pictures or video of suspected violations when possible and safe.

• Reporting issues to your local EPC or your state's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Reports can usually be submitted online — the EPA offers this form — and the sooner a witness takes action, the quicker officials can respond and help mitigate environmental damage in their communities.