THE ACREAGE, FL-- Analysts from the Department of Environmental Protection began taking water samples from wells in 50 Acreage homes in a ten square mile area, Tuesday. The DEP analysts will test for a wide-range of industrial and environmental toxins.
Like nearly all the homes in The Acreage, the Stroud's house on North 68th Street is served by well water.
A 14 year resident, Tara Stroud says there is no time to waste. "We have cancer victims on the street. I have a family, we need to know."
As analysts silently collected data on Tara Stroud's property, three neighbors, whose residency in The Acreage ranges from 14 years to four months, looked on.
"It's troubling but I'll wait for the results," said Lee Bier.
Bettina Bundchuck said, "I don't want to panic my family, we have to wait for what the state learns."
"I'm leasing so if it comes back bad, I'm taking my pets and leaving," said Christine Thibeault.
A few miles away, at Pine Ridge Elementary, there was an inspection that was both symbolic and important.
A seeming spike in child tumors first raised the possibility of a cancer cluster in The Acreage.
The state agreed to get to the schools right away.
But it will be six to eight weeks before the results are in.
"It's all frightening," said Tara Stroud.
