Floridians need more say in development decisions

Florida Times-Union
By Ron Littlepage
Story updated at 6:28 AM on Thursday, May. 21, 2009

I haven't been a fan of Florida Hometown Democracy, but that's changing. Here's why:...

In other words, legislators have pretty much given free rein to developers to continue building; quality of life and the state's natural resources be damned, even though there are currently 300,000 homes in Florida sitting empty...But it's not just the betrayal by the Legislature that's making Florida Hometown Democracy more attractive.

Efforts by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to extend a runway at Craig field despite overwhelming opposition is growing tiresome.

The aborted attempt by the Jacksonville Port Authority to cram a cruise ship terminal down the throats of Mayport residents is another example why land use changes to our comprehensive plan should be more difficult.

That's what Florida Hometown Democracy would do.

The proposed constitutional amendment likely will be on the ballot in November 2010. If voters approve it, land use changes would have to be approved by that jurisdiction's voters...

Special interests funnel $6 million to Florida lawmakers

By Steve Bousquet, Breanne Gilpatrick, Alex Leary, Marc Caputo and Mary Ellen Klas, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
In Print: Sunday, March 15, 2009
St. Petersburg Times

TALLAHASSEE — In the latest election cycle, dozens of Florida legislators raked in $6 million in special-interest campaign money and spent a good deal of it on themselves for meals, rental cars, plane trips and hotels...

Bill would give power over wetlands and water permits to one board

By Craig Pittman, Times staff writer
In Print: Saturday, May 16, 2009

A bill that would make it easier to rip out thirsty sod and put in landscaping that needs less water and fertilizer might seem like something the state's environmental groups would cheer.

But they don't like Senate Bill 2080, not at all.

"The governor needs to veto this foul thing," said Charles Lee of Audubon of Florida...

Manatees In The Midst

Defenders of Wildlife

One fact is certain: the fate of this gentle, iconic creature, totally willing and able to abide in our midst, lies squarely in our hands.