Local

Seminole Co. leaders approve sale of utility company

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — People in Chuluota, who have complained for years about paying for smelly brown water, moved a step closer to being rid of Aqua Utilities.

Tuesday, Seminole County leaders approved selling the company to become a government-run utility.

The pending sale is expected to be finalized in February and shouldn't raise water and sewer rates.

They'll only go up with inflation, much like other utility bills.

It's a relief to homeowner Frederick Corbett.

"I was hoping they would invest the money in making the system better, and did you see an improvement? No, the same old," said Corbett.

Residents said on some days the water is so cloudy it's like someone mixed milk with it.

The Florida Government Utility Authority said it plans to fix some of the problems with $8 million in improvements, but Corbett said he's still skeptical.

"I won't believe it until I see it and until the dogs drink it," Corbett said.

Aqua Utilities also supplies sewer and water to communities in Orange, Lake and Sumter counties.

FGUA said it anticipates the sale to go through once other communities agree to the switch.