WINTER PARK, Fla. – Workers in the landscaping business speaking out in front of Winter Park leaders during a special meeting Thursday.
The majority were outraged over the city’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, which does not go into effect until July 2024, but many argue the rule is not a fair one.
“I can’t get an answer from anyone - who’s going to pay for it? Who’s going to pay for it? Currently our blowers cost about $500,” said Chad Carter, Winter Park resident and landscaper.
The city passed the ordinance in an effort to reduce noise in neighborhoods and reduce air pollution.
“We are a small business, and we operate with low profit margins in the green industry, this is not where you go to make a fortune,” resident and business owner Eric Kobb said.
“You need to make decision based on what we want and not personal agendas. We put you here because we trust you,” resident Gigi Papa said.
Joe Kern, owner of JMK Landscape, said 85% of his work is in Winter Park and is worried about the cost it will take to switch from gas to electric.
“What about a generator running? What about a person who wants to pressure wash a home? What do they say about that, you know how loud a generator is,” Kern said.
The council on Thursday made no changes to the ordinance, which was passed in 2022, but did vote on a motion (3 to 2) to put off penalties for residents and landscaping companies until January 2025.
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