St. George residents near the Fort Pearce Industrial Park reported a strong odor lingering in their neighborhoods over the past week.
Many described the smell as similar to rotten eggs or sewage, prompting a wave of complaints and social media posts. As reports increased, city officials stepped in to investigate.
City Responds to Odor Complaints
The City of St. George began receiving complaints early in the week. Multiple departments responded, including Fire, wastewater, and code enforcement.
City officials confirmed the smell was not natural gas and does not pose a public safety risk. Fire crews ruled out any immediate danger.
Meanwhile, the wastewater division inspected nearby infrastructure. Crews found no issues with sewer lines or piping.
Source Traced to Dairy Processing Facility
After further investigation, code enforcement identified a Dairy Farmers of America processing facility as the source of the odor.
City representatives contacted the company and began working with staff to reduce the smell. Officials said the odor has occurred before but feels more intense this time.
At this point, the city does not believe the situation violates any code. However, officials continue to monitor conditions closely.
Residents Describe Strong Impact
Several nearby residents said the odor feels far stronger than anything they experienced in past years.
One homeowner who lives less than a mile away said the smell has appeared multiple nights in a row. He explained that it often enters his home through the heating system.
According to the resident, the odor disrupts daily life and makes staying indoors uncomfortable.
Others in the area shared similar concerns and called the smell overwhelming.
Company Acknowledges the Issue
Dairy Farmers of America responded in a written statement and confirmed it is addressing the problem.
The company said it is working with technical experts and suppliers to identify the cause. It also stated that immediate and long-term odor controls are already underway.
Company representatives emphasized their commitment to being a good neighbor in the St. George community.
Ongoing Monitoring Planned
This is not the first time residents have reported odor issues near the facility. Similar complaints surfaced years ago under previous management.
City officials said they will continue working with the company. They also encouraged residents to report odors when they occur so the city can track patterns.
