Lake County moves forward with lawsuit over Mount Dora-area landfill odor

Lake County commissioners are moving forward with plans to sue the operator of a Mount Dora-area landfill and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after years of complaints from nearby residents who say a persistent odor is disrupting their daily lives.Commissioners voted unanimously this week to proceed with a lawsuit involving Mid Florida Landfill, located off Robie Avenue near the Sullivan Ranch community. Residents have long complained about a strong smell they describe as sulfur-like or similar to rotten eggs.“It’s been forever. The smell has got to go,” one resident said. “I wake up and I can literally smell it in my house.”A 2025 study by the city of Mount Dora identified Mid Florida Landfill as the source of the odor. The landfill is operated by Hubbard Construction.Caleb Swallow, who lives at Sullivan Ranch near the landfill, has spoken publicly about the issue before, said the odor is noticeable near the neighborhood.“It’s literally right behind the dump,” Swall