But Central Sarasota Recycling is operating without a permit, state officials say.
By Noah Bookstein
Original Air Date: April 29, 2026
Host: A controversial industrial plant on the edge of downtown Sarasota has a new operator, but it still does not seem to have the permit required. Noah Bookstein gives us an update on the concrete crushing plant.
Noah Bookstein: A new company has taken over operations of a concrete crushing plant near the Rosemary District. The new entity, called Central Sarasota Recycling LLC, was formed in early March.
Location of the US Recycling concrete crushing plant at the south end of the Cocoanut-Central neighborhood.
It took over from US Recycling, operated by Christopher Williams, after a lawsuit by Suncoast Waterkeeper alleged pollution and violations of the Clean Water Act.
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s lawsuit is essentially on hold after the administrative dissolution of US Recycling.
While US Recycling was dissolved, the site itself continues to be owned by Christopher Williams under the name Freedom Estates.
US Recycling had been operating machinery without a valid permit. Central Sarasota Recycling continues operations without a valid permit, as per FDEP.
FDEP declined to comment further.
Central Sarasota Recycling is registered with Feliciano Morales, Celia Morales, and Daniel Morales Reyes.
The same names are also associated with several Tampa-based companies, including DGP&S Construction. They list demolition, C&D removal, site preparation, soil and aggregate recycling, paving, underground utility work and erosion control as among their services.
Pasco County court records reveal that DGP&S Construction was hired to do grading work for DR Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder by volume.
Photo by Noah Bookstein
DGP&S Construction and DR Horton were named as defendants in a lawsuit alleging grading work had been done improperly on a home in Zephyrhills, causing water intrusion and significant property damage.
Several online reviews of DGP&S Construction paint a picture of past negligent business practices and reckless behavior by the company’s truck drivers. There are also reports about them doing demolition work on properties and damaging neighboring lots. Reports could not be independently verified.
WSLR News attempted to contact DGP&S Construction and left a voicemail. DR Horton’s Tampa office did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
Since Feliciano Morales has become the new operator, the concrete crushing plant in Sarasota has been very active.
Cement trucks from the neighboring Cemex facility have been observed entering the site on multiple occasions.
During a recent site visit, WSLR News observed substantial dust clouds coming from the Cemex facility and noted a sharp, acrid smell.
Photo by Noah Bookstein
WSLR News attempted to contact Sarasota’s Cemex plant by phone, but they could not be reached for comment.
Amidst public health concerns and improper permitting, City of Sarasota officials are investigating options for legal action against the former US Recycling site.
In a statement, the city told WSLR News that “the City Attorney is investigating and reviewing any course of action for the City to pursue regarding US Recycling. Any new developments will be included in the City Attorney’s review.”
“The City Attorney cannot discuss methods or strategies until the investigation is complete.”
According to Sarasota County, “staff is coordinating closely with the neighbors and on-site personnel. County staff have advised the personnel at the site of their responsibilities to maintain compliance with the county’s delegated local air pollution control program.
Air general permits for this type of equipment are issued by the State through the FDEP. Sarasota County administers and oversees these permits on behalf of the State as a delegated local government. As part of this process, operators are required to notify the County prior to commencing operations, including the relocation or deployment of equipment such as concrete crushers, which is done through the state’s ‘AirWalk’ permitting system.”
Michael Barfield with the Florida Trident contributed to this story. Reporting for WSLR News, Noah Bookstein.
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