2 Wildfires Continue to Burn in Odessa Area

Land O’ Lakes residents who have noticed smoke and flames in the area of the Suncoast Parkway have no cause for alarm at this time.

That’s the word from Florida Forest Service spokesman Don Ruths.

Ruths said there are two wildfires burning within the Starkey well field area of dessa, but both are “100 percent contained.”

“They are being monitored daily by ourselves and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) crews,” Ruths said. “At present they are stable and have not created any smoke issues for neighboring communities or roadways.”

Florida Highway Patrol troopers have also been monitoring one of the wildfires – the closest to the Suncoast Parkway.

Sgt. Steve Gaskins said troopers were positioned Wednesday night to make sure the fire didn’t cause problems for motorists.

Stay with Land O’ Lakes Patch for details as they develop.