Illegal dumping has become a pervasive issue across South Florida, with officials citing an epidemic of trash littering highways, open fields and swales. Among the most persistent problems are old tires, which local leaders say are creating blight and environmental concerns.
In Pompano Beach, the issue recently led to a criminal case. Local authorities arrested Glenn Barrett after he was accused of illegally dumping dozens of tires in a field on Northwest 4th Street. Barrett was charged with littering more than 500 pounds of trash, allegedly dumping a total of 100 tires during two separate visits.
The cleanup effort following that incident cost the city approximately $1,500…