Meeting on hydrilla set for Dec. 14

Anyone interested in learning more about the recent hydrilla control on Lake Tohopekaliga should attend a public meeting in Kissimmee Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 7:15 to 8 p.m. at the Osceola County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Building, 1 Courthouse Square.

Staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will present information on the recent hydrilla herbicide applications, the results and plans regarding the adaptive approach to hydrilla control on the lake for the upcoming winter and spring. The state agency wants to hear the public’s concerns and answer questions about how subsequent hydrilla herbicide applications will be conducted.

This adaptive approach was implemented to help protect the endangered Everglade snail kite by increasing the bird’s access to its food source, namely apple snails. The kite has lost most of its historic nesting and feeding habitat in South Florida because of drought and floods, and in the past few years, many have moved north to Lake Tohopekaliga.

The meeting is scheduled to immediately follow a 6 to 7:15 p.m. South Florida Water Management District meeting at the same location that will discuss pressing water-related issues on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings to gain a broader perspective on the entire chain of lakes.

For more information on the meeting, contact Ed Harris at 407-858-6170.

Burn bans reinstated

Osceola County government has reinstated a burn ban due dry conditions in the region.

The ban covers all types of outside burning, including open fire pits, campfires and yard debris within the unincorporated areas of Osceola County.

The ban will be lifted as weather and vegetation conditions improve.

The ban will be enforced by Osceola County Code Enforcement, law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

Residents may still apply for special burn permits from the Division of Forestry at 407-856-6512.

For more information, contact Niki Whisler at 407-742-9017.

The city of Kissimmee Fire Department also has reinstated a burn ban for the next 45 days.

The city burn ban covers all types of outside burning, including permitted commercial debris fires, open fire pits and campfires. The ban will be subject to extensions as long as necessary.

City residents also are reminded that at no time is the burning of trash, garbage or yard debris allowed.

For more information on the city ban, call the Kissimmee Fire and Life Safety Hotline at 407-518-2585 or visit www.kissimmee.org.