MUSE, Fla — Residents of Muse have expressed their strong opposition to the proposed sand mine with a clear and resounding message: “no Muse mine” signs are prominently displayed along CR-731, the very corridor where the new operation is planned. Those living nearby have legitimate concerns that the looming presence of a mine would mean heavy dump trucks regularly rumbling through their peaceful neighborhood, potentially bringing a cascade of issues.
According to Hendry County’s Community Correspondent, Austin Schargorodski, he frequently visits the area to cover the stories of rural communities. This connection made it easy for Yvonne Doll, a concerned Glades County resident, to reach out for help when worries about her own neighborhood surfaced.
Click to hear what Austin and Yvonne Doll talked about:
‘Keep the mines off our county roads’: Proposed sand mine in Muse sparks pushback from residents
The potential mine could generate a parade of heavy dump trucks on CR-731 for the next five years. Yvonne Doll has called this road her home for over ten years. She knows firsthand the limits of the infrastructure and what it can endure.
“So Yvonne, tell me what led you to reaching out to me,” Schargorodski inquired.
“I know you have experience addressing issues related to other sand mines entering nearby communities,” Doll replied, reflecting a blend of apprehension and determination.
The concerns presented by Doll are varied, touching upon property values, noise pollution, and road degradation. Yet one concern reigns supreme—safety, especially for students attending West Glades School, which would become a daily battleground for these trucks.
“Our roadways weren’t built for the heavy truck traffic that is expected. There are no shoulders on the road,” noted Doll, her voice tinged with urgency.
Yvonne and her fellow residents have been vocal at recent Glades County Commissioners Meetings, gathering more than 200 signatures on a petition against the mine. However, if the project were to receive the green light, Doll has a straightforward solution that she believes could mitigate some problems: “Keep the mines off our county roads,” she urged, “and keep them to the state roads where they belong.”
Taking these concerns to the mining property owner and their land-use planner, they acknowledged the local sentiment. They had previously withdrawn their application after stricter mining regulations were enacted in the county and are now weighing whether the project can move forward under the new constraints.
They emphasized the importance of early feedback from residents, promising to evaluate the roads and explore potential improvements, as well as organize community meetings to maintain an open dialogue with residents.
Upon returning this information to Doll via Zoom, she expressed cautious optimism. While relieved that her community’s concerns were being acknowledged, a lingering doubt remained. “I’m not sure it’s something the community of Muse is interested in. We cherish our quiet country living, and I genuinely question where a sand mine fits into that,” she reflected thoughtfully, as if caught between progress and preservation.
In truth, the residents of Muse find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the promise of local development against the value of their cherished way of life—a way of life that thrives on tranquility and connection to the land they hold dear.
