Santa Rosa County
Sen. Gaetz Demands State Investigation into FPL Crop-Dusting Helicopter Incidents Near East Milton
Animal deaths, suspected chemical contamination, and flight path questions prompt Florida’s 1st District senator to call for a full state and federal probe into aerial spraying operations tied to Florida Power & Light.
State Sen. Don Gaetz has formally requested that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services open a comprehensive investigation into two aerial spraying incidents in the East Milton area of Santa Rosa County, citing reports of animal fatalities, suspected environmental contamination, and potential violations of aviation and agricultural regulations.
In a letter dated May 28, to FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Gaetz identified incidents on May 8 and May 20, 2026, involving a crop-dusting helicopter operating as a contractor or vendor for Florida Power and Light. The helicopter reportedly flew power lines and potentially through active power line infrastructure during aerial application operations. Read FDACS.Invest.Req.05.28.26.
Animal Deaths, Environmental Harm Alleged
The most serious allegations center on animal fatalities and suspected environmental contamination at farms and aviaries in the area following the aerial spraying activity. Gaetz described the matter as one his constituents believe to be a “serious matter” affecting public safety, agricultural compliance, environmental protection, and aviation regulation.
“Most concerning are reports of animal fatalities and suspected environmental contamination at farms and aviaries following the aerial spraying activity.”
—Sen. Don Gaetz, letter to FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson
The senator attached a FlightAware flight path screenshot sourced from a Chunn Farms social media post showing helicopter N2193X, a B06-type aircraft, operating out of Peter Prince Field in Milton on May 20, 2026. Flight records show the aircraft was airborne from 9:31 a.m. to 10:58 a.m. CDT, with the flight path displaying tight operational loops over the East Milton area near the Blackwater River Reserve and Santa Rosa Naval Outlying Field.
Eight-Point Investigation Requested
Gaetz outlined eight specific actions he is requesting FDACS undertake:
- Confirm FPL’s relationship to the helicopter operator and whether the flights were conducted under contract with the utility.
- Review the May 20 flight path in full, including GPS records, flight logs, and aerial application data.
- Identify the operator, pilot, and aviation company, including licensing status.
- Identify all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, adjuvants, or other substances applied during the flight, including quantities, application rates, and regulatory compliance.
- Assess potential violations involving safe operating procedures, aerial application regulations, and hazardous proximity to utility infrastructure and occupied agricultural property.
- Investigate reports of animal deaths, contamination, and crop damage at affected properties.
- Coordinate with the FAA, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local utility providers.
- Take regulatory action, where appropriate, against FPL and its aerial contractor.
Key Facts: The helicopter identified in the FlightAware attachment is tail number N2193X, a Bell B06-type aircraft, based out of Peter Prince Field (2R4) in Milton, Florida. The May 20 flight lasted approximately 87 minutes. The flight path shows operations near the Blackwater River Reserve and close to Santa Rosa Naval Outlying Field.
Gaetz sent copies of the letter to state Rep. Nathan Boyles, state Rep. Alexis Lambert, and Rep. Gabriella Passidomo Smith, indicating a bipartisan, multi-district awareness of the issue.
The senator closed by requesting written confirmation that FDACS has opened a formal investigation.
