A Year Later: Bombs are Still Being Uncovered
Wednesday July 2, 2008
Just about a year ago, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials met with Florida Senators, Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez at Odyssey Middle School to tour the site where debris and bombs left over from a World War II bombing range were found. Areas of the school have been fenced off. Since July 30, 2007 the Army Corps have located 126 rockets and bombs - some containing explosives.
Meanwhile nearby communities that were built on land that was part of the original 12,000 acre military site are still waiting as their fate is determined. Red flags notate where metal detectors have located buried bombs. The military has made this cleanup a number one priority, but that isn't really helping the families who don't feel safe knowing bombs are in their backyards.
Who is at fault here? Orlando is only one of 9000 such sites across the country. This information was properly documented by the military. Did the prior owners disclose this information? Did the developer know about this? Shouldn't the county check land records a little more thoroughly before building a school? Post your comments below.
Comments
What is going on with this school, why is it still open? They (Army Corps of Engineers)will only say the top 12 inches of ground at Odyssey Middle School is safe. The corps said that is the best assurance that they can give for any former bombing range. The corps goes on to say – “While we can never guarantee that the property will be 100 percent clear of munitions, we can assure them that they are safe if they take some precautions,”
Why are children going to this school? Why are parents sending children to this school?