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Does Acreage gas leak highlight bigger issue?

Posted at 11:30 PM, Jun 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 04:55:40-04

A gas leak fiasco in The Acreage has neighbors worried about future emergencies in that area. Residents say it highlights a lack of safe routes.

The area has plenty of roads, once you're in the area, but it's getting out of town that can be a problem during an emergency.

That issue was brought to light by a gas leak at the Mobil gas station on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. Wednesday night.

Jessica Schmitt says people had trouble getting home with the busy road closed.

"It was hard for a lot of cars getting from one end to the other because it's a main route for people to get home," says Schmitt.

The road is one of only a few to get out of the area.

Trish Watkins says that's worrisome, especially should a hurricane or even a brush fire come along. There's only three roads out going East and West.

"What escape routes do we have. We only have Northlake and Okeechobee and getting nearly 40,000 residents out in a timely and safe manner is definitely a concern."

County engineers are aware, but say there are environmental concerns with adding more routes.