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Live World War II Bombs Found Near Middle School

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 7:09:26 PM
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Now there are new questions being raised about live bombs found on land near an Orange County school and a new planned high-tech corridor.

The Army Corps of Engineers, studying the area inside Pinecastle Jeep Range, said live explosives could still be there. The range was a World War II era bombing site.

Odyssey Middle School is located on the range, and is near the major developments going up on Innovation Way.
    
Engineers will clean up the area starting this fall but say it could take years to finish.

Still, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty says he's not too worried about the impact of development in the area.

"I would say that the fact that both our U.S. senators have gotten involved, making sure that we take a close look at this, take whatever action is appropriate, that that's really important for the safety of our citizens," said Crotty.

The school says parents of students will be notified of the discovery.

Florida's two U.S. senators are urging the Pentagon to take immediate action to clean up the site.
    
Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson say not only should immediate action be taken, but fences should also be put up right away to seal off any potentially dangerous areas.

“It is very important that the Army Corps of Engineers gets this right and get it done quick, for the safety of the public and particularly the safety of the school,” Nelson said.

"I think it's vital that we get this taking care of as soon as possible,” Martinez said. “I think it's an urgent matter, and that's how we addressed it with the Army Corp of Engineers."

The lawmakers also asked that as much as $20 million eventually be allocated for the estimated cost of a complete cleanup.

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