Manatee County Contractor Arrested for Dumping Over 500 Pounds of Waste in Charlotte County
CHARLOTTE COUNTY—A massive pile of debris dumped along Gibbon Street has outraged residents and led to the arrest of a Manatee County contractor for illegally disposing of over 500 pounds of commercial waste.
Boxes, broken faucets, mattresses, and toilets littered the quiet road, prompting concerned neighbors to report the mess. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Investigator Philip Traniello responded to the complaints and quickly realized the debris wasn't the result of storm damage but a deliberate act.
Traniello’s investigation led him to documents buried in the pile, addressed to a plumbing company. The paperwork ultimately identified Mauricio Cortes Mira of Manatee County as the individual responsible. Mira later admitted to the illegal dumping and was arrested for the offense.
Authorities say Mira had been working in the area as an out-of-county contractor and chose to discard the waste on an unoccupied stretch of road rather than dispose of it properly.
Traniello confirmed that if the trash remains for several more days and complaints continue, county crews will be dispatched to clear the site. The cleanup costs will be added to the restitution Mira must pay.
Officials urge residents to report illegal dumping by sending pictures and information to the County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line.
