Development Archives - WMNF 88.5 FM: Recent Episodes
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Listen:Manatee County is growing at a record pace.
Commissioners are focused on bringing back wetland protections cut in 2023 to favor new development.
County Commissioners want to bring back local wetland buffers that protect delicate environmental areas, like marshes, from development.
In 2023 they decided to remove them, a decision that received heavy backlash from the community and environmental advocates.
At a special meeting at the beginning of the year, Commission Chairman George Kruse said it needed to be fixed.
“We need to get those wetland buffers back. That was a very simple thing. That was short-sighted, I think everyone realizes it was short-sighted. Let’s just fix it,” Kruse said.
The wetland buffer was a priority that Commissioner Carol Ann Felts said in a January commission meeting was far overdue.“We need to get it done and move on.” Felts said.
The commission decided on a motion to move forward with removing the restrictions.
It comes as the Manatee County Commission is focused on limiting development. McCann had this to say at a later January commission meeting:
“We are building and building and building in Manatee County to the detriment of the people that live here.”
The wetland buffer was a priority that Commissioner Carol Ann Felts said in a January commission meeting was far overdue.
“We need to get it done and move on.”
The next board meeting is next Tuesday, February 18th.
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A senior staffer called the developer’s proposal ‘insulting’ and urged the county to abandon negotiationsBy Michael Barfield for Florida Trident
Hi Hat Ranch, Sarasota County’s largest development project that will add over 13,000 homes east of I-75, recently moved forward with a controversial plan allowing developers to build a road across 24 acres of county land. Despite a 2021 ordinance requiring the developer to cover the full cost, taxpayers are now responsible for half of the Bee Ridge Road extension to the private development’s entrance.
The Hi Hat deal could become one of Sarasota County’s most contentious land-use decisions because it is also the largest development project in the county’s history.
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio. Credit: Sarasota County CommunicationsAdding to the controversy, former County Commissioner Al Maio played a key role in drafting the terms of the land deal on behalf of the developer during a private meeting with county staff in December 2024. Shortly after, staff reversed course, recommending terms that conflicted with the clear direction commissioners had given at a public meeting just six weeks earlier.
Maio, a longtime ally of developers, left the commission in November 2022. Records show he was copied on more than 160 emails about Hi Hat Ranch starting in March 2023 and attended multiple meetings with county staff.
Phone records obtained by the Florida Trident also show Maio exchanged dozens of calls with County Administrator Jonathan Lewis over 10 months totaling more than 5 hours.
Though Lewis provided phone records in response to a public records request about official business, he could not recall any effort by Maio to lobby him on county business. Lewis could not recall the exact nature of the numerous calls with Maio but said they most frequently talked about the Peace River board Maio sits on and their families.
Lewis said he redacted only those calls on the phone logs that were with his family members.
Maio refused multiple efforts to answer questions about his work on behalf of Hi Hat Ranch.
Florida law bars former commissioners from lobbying county commissioners, the county administrator, and his or her direct reports for compensation for two years after leaving office to prevent conflicts of interest and protect public trust.
County Administrator Jonathan Lewis. Credit: Sarasota County CommunicationsPublic records obtained by the Florida Trident do not confirm whether Maio directly lobbied Lewis or his direct reports on business related to Hi Hat Ranch. None of the meetings between Maio and county staff reviewed by the Florida Trident included Lewis or anyone who directly reports to him.
Maio’s son, Adam, who is vice chair of the Sarasota County Planning Commission, recently performed significant construction and remodeling at the Lewis residence.
“It’s all public record,” Adam Maio told the Florida Trident, but declined to detail the work done at the Lewis residence, referring further questions to his attorney which were unanswered at press time.
Lewis said the construction was needed after damage from Hurricane Ian. A permit indicates the work included a new roof and interior remodel valued at $100,000, according to public records.
A giveaway to developers?Extending Bee Ridge Road to the private development is estimated to cost $28 million, with taxpayers covering half—though final costs remain uncertain. Notably, the county did not conduct an appraisal to determine the value of the 24 acres used for the proposed roadway.
Internal county emails reveal staff strongly criticized the developer’s proposal, warning of severe traffic impacts. However, commissioners were never informed that the first phase of the project—spanning between Fruitville Road and Clark Road —would increase traffic on a segment of Bee Ridge Road by up to 140%, pushing it below an acceptable level of service.
A 2023 county traffic analysis shows that the entire length of Bee Ridge Road already operating at Level D under the county’s adopted minimum standards. Under the county’s roadway rating system, Level A represents free-flowing traffic, while Level F indicates gridlock and failure.
Critics call the deal a giveaway to developers at public expense, warning it will worsen congestion on already overburdened roads.
“The only guarantee for taxpayers on this so-called ‘deal’ is that we’ll be paying millions to sit in traffic,” said Myakka resident Randy Boyd.
“Drivers on Fruitville Road are held hostage every day,” Boyd said.
Gridlocked negotiationsNegotiations over the Bee Ridge Road extension for the Hi Hat Ranch project began in June 2023. A series of internal emails revealed county staff had serious concerns about the developer’s request to build a road across 24 acres of county land between Rothenbach Park and the Sheriff’s Animal Services Office.
Tensions escalated in August 2023 after Planning Director Matt Osterhoudt instructed staff to cancel scheduled meetings and route all communication through his office.
By November, Hi Hat’s attorney, Charlie Bailey, requested a meeting with county staff, announcing that Al Maio would join on behalf of the developer.
Public record emails reveal Maio’s continued involvement in Hi Hat Ranch projects. In November 2023, Mike Campbell, an agent for the developer, asked Osterhoudt to call him, saying, “I will patch Al in.” A few weeks later, Campbell suggested Maio could personally deliver a response to the county, writing, “We prefer the personal touch, of course!”
At a mid-November meeting, Osterhoudt rejected several aspects of the developer’s proposal, including a dead-end Bee Ridge extension into the private development, calling it “unacceptable.” He also denied a request to relocate an access road to the Sheriff’s Animal Services facility across a wetland.
Staff pushback and warningsOn November 29, Hi Hat submitted another proposal, which again failed to satisfy county staff. Senior Transportation Manager Don DeBerry was skeptical of the new proposal, telling Public Works Director Spencer Anderson, “I don’t see that much has changed.” DeBerry estimated the developer would profit between $70-$700 million from the first phase alone, adding, “We need to make sure the public’s interests are secured.”
In other internal emails, DeBerry rejected multiple developer demands with responses in red text: “No way!” and “Not good enough!” Staff also opposed the use of county land for the road, citing “operational impacts” on existing facilities.
Anderson, in an email to Osterhoudt, recommended that the developer should bear the “full cost of widening” the segment of Bee Ridge Road. He warned that the development would increase existing traffic volume by 140%, exceeding the roadway’s Level of Service of D. Anderson noted that widening would not be required but for the Hi Hat development. “A split of this required infrastructure improvement is not warranted,” Anderson wrote.
DeBerry was more blunt, warning that the development would push daily traffic “well over the theoretical capacity” of a segment of Bee Ridge Road. He suggested a firm stance against the developer’s proposal in an email to Anderson, stating:
“I feel like our response should just be—sorry, if that’s the best you can do, you can forget Bee Ridge. You need to move forward with a Clark to Fruitville connection. From my perspective, their arrogance is insulting. Walk away.”
Despite these warnings, neither Anderson nor Osterhoudt withdrew from negotiations or disclosed the traffic concerns to commissioners.
At a meeting on October 4, 2023, Jim Turner, the master developer for Hi Hat, attributed statements to Lewis, who was not in attendance. Lewis later took issue with the statement. Following the meeting, Osterhoudt emailed Turner saying “the County has current and planned needs for this County-owned property. Therefore, at this time, the County will not be accepting a rezone petition as proposed.”
Later that evening, Lewis emailed Turner correcting him regarding the statements attributed to him about the Hi Hat project.
In the 24 hours that followed, Maio and others had multiple phone calls with Lewis.
Deal, no dealIn mid-December 2023, it appeared that progress was made after Turner met directly with Lewis. By late January 2024, county staff believed they were close to a deal, with only minor details left to finalize.
In a letter dated January 22, Turner conceded the developer “shall design and construct [the roadway extension] at no expense to the County.” Turner also agreed to construct a 4-lane road, with two lanes completed before the first home receives a certificate of occupancy. Turner also agreed to convey 20+/- acres for the widening of Fruitville Road. The developer agreed to other concessions to minimize traffic impacts.
But at a subsequent meeting days later, Lewis learned there was no deal.
“Mr. Bailey informed us that they weren’t interested in the deal as previously discussed. So, it did seem like they were saying, ‘Just kidding—we don’t agree to that deal,’” Lewis wrote in an email to the Florida Trident.
Multiple efforts were made to seek comment from both Bailey and Turner for more than 10 days before publication without any response.
After months of deadlock, the negotiations stalled.
Commission’s clear directiveCounty staff sought commission guidance at a late October 2024 public meeting. Osterhoudt told commissioners that the 2021 master development order required Hi Hat to cover all costs for road and intersection improvements tied to the development.
Slide from commission presentation on October 23, 2024. Credit: Sarasota County Public RecordsStaff outlined six key conditions for any agreement, including:
- Clear language confirming the developer would fully fund the Bee Ridge Road extension
- A $6 million escrow deposit until project completion
- A December 2027 deadline for the road extension
- An engineer cost estimate
- A cap on mobility fee credits to the developer
- Separating regulatory and land access components of the deal
Commissioners were explicit: the developer had to accept all six conditions, including covering road costs.
“We need to have these six items agreed upon by the master developer or not, and that’s it. If they don’t agree …, that’s it, we’re done.” —Commissioner Mark Smith.
Commissioner Joe Neunder agreed, emphasizing that county land belongs to taxpayers. “Negotiating against ourselves is never a good place to be,” he said.
If the developer refused, they could access the project through existing routes via Fruitville or Clark Road that did not involve county land.
At the end of the meeting, both Osterhoudt and Lewis confirmed they understood the commission’s directive.
“Yes, sir,” both replied.
Public not invited Six weeks later, the deal Maio drafted on a whiteboard at a meeting with county staff would look far different than the six items commissioners insisted on.
Little is known about what happened at the December 11th meeting because the public was not invited or even aware of the meeting.
The Florida Trident obtained a picture of the terms of the “land deal” Maio wrote on a whiteboard taken at the meeting.
Whiteboard notes drafted by Al Maio. Credit: Sarasota County Public Records.In January 2025, staff came forward with an agenda item vaguely described as “To provide policy guidance on selling access through County-owned land.”
Staff recommended taxpayers pay for half of the road extension project, with no cap for taxpayers’ portion. Only two of the four planned lanes are to be built initially, with the rest delayed until another traffic study justifies the expansion. The parties agreed to completion dates and that the developer would be responsible for improving the roundabout on Lorraine Road.
At a meeting on January 28, 2025, Osterhoudt praised Maio and Dave Truxton, another member of the developer’s negotiating team. Staff never told the commissioners about the earlier objections, including the traffic impact. None of the emails obtained by the Florida Trident were part of the agenda packet. Nor was any appraisal given to commissioners.
Although Maio’s whiteboard notes indicate the developer would give 24 acres for the county’s 24 acres, the recommendation brought back to the commission only requires the developer to give up 10 acres off of Fruitville Road.
Commissioner Tom Knight cast the lone dissenting vote, raising concerns about financial risks and traffic impacts.
“I have concerns about the future of our infrastructure that we’re talking about every day. And so, unfortunately, I can’t support this. And this is what hurts about doing these jobs, right? We all sit up here and get scrutinized, but I have been here 51 years, and I see our traffic, and that’s all I’ll say,” said Knight.
When asked by the Florida Trident last Friday what changed in the six weeks following the clear direction given in October on the six items commissioners insisted on, both Osterhoudt and Anderson indicated the deal was the most reasonable to bring back before the board.
“In a perfect world, I’d want them to pay for it all,” said Osterhoudt.
Anderson said commissioners weren’t told about traffic counts because it wasn’t a factor in the deal for access to land to extend the roadway.
Osterhoudt did not address his previous insistence that Hi Hat Ranch comply with the requirement in the master development order approved in a 2021 ordinance to fund all costs related to roadway improvements to the project.
County Attorney Josh Moye told the Florida Trident that county staff acted in good faith with a degree of reasonableness in complying with the requirement to negotiate. But in response to questions from then-County Commissioner Mike Moran, Moye expressly told commissioners at the October 23 meeting that the county was under no legal requirement to agree to anything with the developer.
Commissioner Smith was contacted by the Florida Trident for comment. “I was under the impression that we had gotten what we had discussed in October. I’m disappointed that does not appear to be the case,” Smith said. He indicated he intended to revisit the issue.
Frustrated residentsOpponents warn the deal also poses huge financial risks, potentially costing Sarasota taxpayers millions.
Dan Lobeck, President of Control Growth Now, criticized the proposed deal: “If a road serves only a developer, it should be paid fully by that developer, not 50/50 with public funds or by a reduction of mobility fees which are supposed to be used to reduce congestion caused by the developer.”
“Covert dealmaking to benefit a big developer at the public expense is a betrayal of both the taxpayers and those who drive on roads that will remain inadequate so long as we let our politicians choose their contributors over their constituents,” Lobeck added.
County’s 2050 growth modelHanging in the balance is Sarasota County’s 2050 Plan for growth framework originally adopted in 2002. Under the Charter, land use decisions east of I-75 must remain fiscally neutral, meaning that any new development is responsible for covering all its associated infrastructure costs. The 2050 modeloffered landowners increased density and non-residential development options in exchange for meeting higher planning and environmental requirements.
Former county commissioner Joe Barbetta voted against the 2050 model because he did not think the infrastructure east of I-75 was ready for it. “You don’t put a new addition on your house without fixing a leaky roof. Infrastructure east of I-75 is leaking,” Barbetta told the Florida Trident.
Barbetta was also critical of the cost to taxpayers and the traffic impact of the Hi Hat project. “It shouldn’t be on the taxpayer’s back. Looking at the existing traffic conditions and level of service now without a full-blown traffic study would be irresponsible,” he said.
Barbetta also expressed concern about impacts on secondary roadways in that area, saying those roads will also be overburdened.
Others raised concerns about sources used to fund infrastructure to the benefit of developers and at the expense of affordable housing, increased traffic, and higher taxes to existing residents.
An example is the amount of surtax money allocated to new development projects. Almost $100 million of the nearly $1 billion in surtax money will go towards infrastructure for new development and transportation.
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton characterized the proposal as a lesson learned from the 2050 plan. “A future land use policy that pits the public’s interest against developer profits cannot be trusted to protect the public’s interest.”
What’s Next?At issue are thegrowing concerns over Maio’s involvement, traffic congestion, flooding, and the true cost to taxpayers. Commissioners recently learned the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024 was caused by a breach in an earthen berm that abuts the property line between county-owned Rothenbach Park and Hi Hat’s property to the east, the area immediately south of the proposed roadway.
A dike separates higher elevation on the eastern side of Cow Pen Slough that abuts Hi Hat Ranch which contains a large natural floodplain. Anderson told commissioners three weeks ago that the breach in the berm caused water to flow north causing historic flooding in the Laurel Meadows neighborhood immediately north of the proposed roadway.
Slide presentation, Jan. 21, 2025 Sarasota County Commission meeting. Credit: Sarasota County Public RecordsResidents, already frustrated with the congested road system, see this as the breaking point. “Have they not learned any lessons from what happened in Manatee County,” asked Randy Boyd, referring to the sea change when voters rejected developer-backed county commissioners in the 2024 election.
Boyd, a fourth-generation resident, said he was not against growth. “They keep approving everything with no infrastructure,” he said. “We want our elected officials to do the right thing. Do infrastructure first, then build,” Boyd added.
A written agreement will be brought back to the county commission for approval. If approved, Hi Hat Ranch will move forward with rezoning and permitting the project.
Road construction is expected to begin within six months, though full completion remains uncertain.
About the Author: Michael Barfield focuses on the enforcement of open government laws. He serves as an investigative reporter for the Florida Trident and Director of Public Access at the Florida Center Center for Government Accountability. He regularly assists journalists across the country with collecting information and publishing news reports obtained from public records and other sources. He is a member of Investigative Reporters & Editors, the Society of Professional Journalists, and an associate member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
About the Editor: Diane Rado, recipient of journalism numerous awards, has been reporting, writing and editing for decades, covering government, education, policy and politics at the Chicago Tribune, St. Petersburg (Tampa Bay) Times, Dallas Morning News, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal and most recently, the Florida Phoenix, where she served as Editor-in-Chief until her retirement in May 2024.
Florida Trident stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you only edit for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website.
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Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and longtime environmental activist Mariella Smith and Assistant County Administrator and environmental engineer George Cassady joined MidPoint to discuss how to address the problems of poop, fecal matter, and sewage. It’s a dirty subject, but someone has to talk about it! We covered sewage spills, septic tanks & stinky beaches, along with the difficulties from the remaining leaky legacy septic tanks in our urban communities like Seminole Heights and Carrollwood, and the problems associated with development sprawl and expanding the county’s Urban Service Area beyond its water and sewer infrastructure capacity. Also, we noted that President Trump’s recently rescinded Executive Order to pause or cancel all Federal funding grants would have caused the interruption or cancelation of numerous sewage management projects already in process.
Find the entire show here, or as a WMNF MidPoint podcast from your favorite podcast purveyor.
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Listen:West Tampa’s historic Main Street is getting a facelift.
Improvements are coming for a once-bustling corridor now considered one of the most dangerous for drivers.
The $300,000 project, funded by the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Area will add new roadway markings, more than 220 on-street parking spaces and improved crosswalks.
Joe Robinson is the Chair of West Tampa CRA Community Advisory Committee.
“This is a slum and blighted area. Don’t be fooled by this frontage here. This is a slum and blighted area. We’re bringing it back. We’re going to get more opportunities,” Robinson said.
Opportunities for West Tampa business owners like Benjamin Wright.
He owns Foster’s Barber Shop on Main Street, and says these upgrades are a good sign for the struggling area.
“It means progress, it means a chance for entrepreneurs such as myself to make a good living here,” Wright told WMNF.
He hopes to see other improvements, like more lights in the area.
“I like to be safe, you know what I mean? I got a business down here, and I want my clients safe as well as myself,” Wright said.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and other city leaders joined Robinson to make the announcement
Work began this month and should be finished by mid-February.
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Gwen Henderson is a member of the Tampa City Council in district 5, an educator and a bookstore owner who talks to the Forum.
Sunday Forum January 26, 2025 8am
Sunday Forum January 26, 2025 9am
One voice can be a catalyst for change, a lightning rod for progress. Tampa City Council-person and owner of Black English Bookstore in Tampa Heights Gwendolyn Henderson talk city governance.
The conversation touched on a number of issues regarding development, police review board politics and her reading list in the face of book bans.
District 5 encompasses neighborhoods in east and west Tampa.
District 5 in the greenHenderson offers insight into the workings of the council and her operating principles. Commitment to education, affordable housing, diversity and development opportunities are expounded upon.
Many challenges continue to face District 5 especially the availability and access to good jobs. Access of a traditionally African American population to the benefits of development or priced out.
District 5 has been a colloquial “Black seat” on the city council. It is simultaneously a large and diverse district attracting newer residents and businesses.
There is a deep soul search on whether the past of urban renewal is removal and continuing gentrification. The district 5 Council-person speaks directly to the community.
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Listen:The new year may see a market benefitting homebuyers as experts predict growth for Tampa and the rest of the state.
Chief economist at Zillow Skylar Olsen says Florida is leaning toward a buyers’ market. That’s when home prices drop due to an abundance of supply.
“Of the top four largest Florida markets, we do expect Miami to continue to be the most competitive and appreciate 4% over the next year. But, you know, followed closely behind Tampa, then Orlando, and Jacksonville,” Olsen told WMNF.
High insurance rates are still a cause for concern, and Olsen says it may be a top concern for buyers in 2025.
“Really appealing to them was affordable payments, right? And maybe they locked in to low mortgage rates, they’re feeling good, they’ve got this low monthly payment, but the insurance payments start spiking up.” Olsen said.
Olsen says homebuyers now are looking at smaller dwellings.
The word “cozy” was listed 35 percent more in Zillow listings last year.
The new year also brings new predictions for the rental market.
Olsen says rent is “softer” now than normal due to a lot of new apartment construction over the past few years.
But,
“That said, in most markets, rents are still taking up a larger share of income now than they did pre-pandemic,” Olsen said.
According to data from Zillow, from 2019 to 2023, rent increased by 50 percent in Tampa with wages only increasing about 15 percent.
In 2019, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor assembled a Housing Affordability Advisory Team to address housing affordability.
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Rays’ new stadium is on hold for now The Tampa Bay Rays said yesterday that it is highly unlikely their planned new stadium will be ready for the 2028 season, if at all. It’s a combination of severe hurricane damage to Tropicana Field and delays on financing by the Pinellas County Commission.
Hillsborough issues a mosquito-borne illness alert for a case of West Nile VirusThe Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is informing residents of a locally acquired case of West Nile Virus.
Climate change made 2024 hurricanes strongerA new study says human-caused climate change made Atlantic hurricanes about 18 miles an hour stronger in the last six years.
Phillies owner makes donation to Clearwater hurricane fundWMNF’s Chris Young reports, the Philadelphia Phillies have pledged a matching grant up to one million dollars towards recovery efforts in Clearwater after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Gulfport City Council member resignsWMNF’s The Gabber reports, Gulfport City Council member Ian O’Hara resigned during a meeting last night. It came after O’Hara spent more than $7,000 dollars of city money on non-city expenses.
Transgender Day of RemembranceIt’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is held every November 20th. Vigils and other events are being held today to draw attention to transgender people who have lost their lives due to violence in the past year.
Dark energy may be weakening over timeAstronomers know the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate and they have long thought that a constant force called dark energy is what is pushing it apart. Instead, findings published yesterday by an international research collaboration are bolstering the suggestion first made earlier this year by the same group that there may be something else going on.
The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Kiley Petracek
WMNF anchors Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane, Colleen Cole, The Gabber
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran
Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com /
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Winway Fells What Some Believe was Gulfport’s Oldest Tree via The GabberBuzzing chainsaws sent clouds of sawdust into the air near the crossroads of 52nd Street and 29th Avenue South in Gulfport last Wednesday (Nov. 6).
It’s a familiar sight locally these days, with seemingly hundreds of trees down after two hurricanes. But these workers weren’t cutting a fallen tree: Developer Winway Homes cut the tree to make room for a new build. Toffer Ross, Gulfport’s horticulturist, estimates the tree was between 200-300 years old.
This move by Winway doesn’t sit well with the neighbors who live all around the majestic tree.
Words From NeighborsDeLaran, a resident of the area, drank morning coffee and meditated under the tree every day.
Periodically crying while limbs were falling from the tree, she said the Gulfport tree lived through multiple hurricanes and survived through everything except “craven greed.”
She said part of her frustration is that with all of the destruction and loss in Gulfport that Winway doesn’t invest in rebuilding the community.
Marlene Shaw also thought the timing of taking down the tree amid the devastation is insensitive.
DeLaran concurred, saying the situation is “emblematic of who Winway is.”
Brandie Adams supported her friends and heckled the tree crew with, “greedy, greedy, go home” and “you’re not wanted here.”
Winway Calls Gulfport Police About Tree ProtestorsAn employee of Winway Homes smiled and pointed to the logo on his shirt as the Gulfport tree came down. Photo via Susan Duval
A pair of Gulfport police were on the scene as neighbors protested the tree’s removal. There were many more there earlier, Gulfport resident Amy Oatley said. Others who came to support the protest had their cars towed by Winway Homes owner Matt Carr.
Oatley said cars lined up along a private road adjacent to the property, blocking the crane’s access to the tree. Eventually, an official from the fire department arrived and told them that they had to move some of the cars in the event that a fire truck needed to get through.
Oatley believed the fire official told the police and Carr that the cars were allowed to be there. Despite this, a truck towed two cars, and booted another.
Carr, who was at the scene, said that he had the cars towed with permission from the police because he said they were blocking construction and that it’s “against the law to block the ingress and egress.”
He owns a home on the same block and told The Gabber Newspaper he has no feelings about the tree, but that there will be a “beautiful Winway home there.”
This Gulfport tree, Winway, and the developer’s plan for the tree have been fodder for letters to the editor since March 2023. In the past, Carr responded to this paper’s questions about the tree and property it sat upon by thanking The Gabber Newspaper for the “free press.”
From left, DeLaran and Brandie Adams hug in front of the beloved Gulfport tree, now reduced to stumps. Photo by Maggie DuffyTowing Problems
This wasn’t the first time the police had been called to the site. On Nov. 1, police responded to a call from the general contractor about protests from neighbors. The incident detail report states that the contractor and the crew leader “acknowledged that the neighbors were sitting on their own property, however were concerned that the neighbors may be too close to falling tree limbs.”
The report was changed from “Trespass” to “Information/Other” as the problem. It concluded with the officer saying he offered to talk to the neighbors but that the contractor didn’t think it was necessary and would call back if there was another problem.
On Nov. 6, Oatley said Police Chief Rob Vincent told her that she had the right to be on the property but if she put herself deliberately in the way of danger, they could Baker Act her. According to neighbors, GPD told Oatley’s partner, Lynn DiVenuti, the same thing the previous Friday as she watched the tree being cut down from a chair on her property, away from the falling limbs.
The chair Lynn DiVenuti sat in to watch the historic live oak get torn down from her property next door. Photo by Maggie Duffy
Mayor Sam Speaks OutGulfport Mayor Sam Henderson, answering calls from Oatley, arrived at the scene.
“When she said the tow trucks were showing up and our police were there, I wanted to go down and see exactly what they were doing,” Henderson said.
While Winway had the legal right to remove the tree, Henderson still has questions about the legality of Carr towing two cars and booting another.
When he arrived, the mayor found Carr, along with a small crowd of friends and employees, taunting the neighbors. They were, Henderson said, “acting like a bunch of frat guys and their girlfriends, making fun of the locals.”
“The jackass who runs the company was standing bravely behind two of his employees telling me ‘he’s got something for me’,” Henderson said. “There’s nothing more frightening than someone standing behind two of his friends threatening to kick your ass.”
City Hall’s Concerns with WinwayHenderson first made his concerns about Winway public at an August 2022 City Council meeting. While he didn’t elaborate at the time, earlier this week, he explained his concerns.
Because of several Gulfportians complaining to city hall about Winway, Henderson and the staff from community developments met with Carr. In that meeting, Carr told the City Winway didn’t buy property outright, instead building on lots someone already owned.
This, Henderson pointed out, is untrue. And, he added, while Carr’s comments that the company doesn’t apply for variances is technically true, the City caught them trying to do things outside of the code.
“Plenty of times, they try to sneak stuff through in the end, like adding a second kitchen. They certainly push [what is allowed],” Henderson said.
But the way Carr and friends treated the neighbors, Henderson said, was “the last straw for me. It was probably the maddest I’ve been in a long, long time.”
He said he felt helpless, watching Carr and his entourage treat the neighbors with obvious disrespect.
“I don’t think they [Winway] have any interest in any kind of a positive relationship with Gulfport or its residents. They’re dishonest, they’re juvenile, and I think they don’t give a damn about anyone except themselves,” he said. “At a minimum, they’re incredibly unprofessional. I’m embarrassed that we have to let them be here at all. After this, I don’t see how anybody in Gulfport can do business with them.”
By noon, most of the tree’s branches had been amputated, leaving the main stump. Neighbors remarked on how much life had been lost in the ecosystem of the Gulfport tree. They talked about trees being sentient beings and how they communicate with one another through their complex root systems. They must be screaming, Shaw said.
Just before the crew packed up for the day, the final piece they chainsawed off landed on the ground with a booming thud.
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An appeals court will hear a case about restrictions on medical treatment for transgender Floridians A federal appeals court will hear arguments in January in a battle over Florida’s restrictions on treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for people with gender dysphoria.
2024 Hurricanes impacted sea turtle nesting in PinellasAfter a series of hurricanes left beaches and dunes flooded, sea turtle nesting season was cut short, but conservationists still documented more nests in Pinellas County than last year.
$51 million park and stormwater project opens in Tampa The City of Tampa cut the ribbon on a new 48-acre park in South Tampa. The $51-million project is more than a park, it also provides flood relief.
Groundbreaking on new USF stadiumThe University of South Florida Tampa campus broke ground recently on its new football stadium. The 35-thousand-seat stadium is scheduled to open in Fall of 2027.
Environmental Protection Agency seeks comments on fish farm offshore of SarasotaThe Environmental Protection Agency is asking people to comment on modifications to the permit for an aquaculture project planned for the Gulf of Mexico off of Sarasota County. The deadline to comment to the EPA is November 25th.
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Listen:A new $260 million hospital in Riverview opened its doors on Wednesday, and within hours of opening, the facility had provided five surgeries and helped a mother in labor.
CEO and President of AdventHealth Riverview Jason Newmyer says placement for the nearly 300-thousand-square-foot facility was intentional.
Maternity room at AdventHealth Riverview // Chris Young, WMNF News, Tampa 10/23/24“If you look at the map and just plot out where hospitals are located in Hillsborough County, this was a space that was in a void,” Newmyer said.
It’s located next to a fire station to ensure a quick response to trauma situations.
Newmyer said AdventHealth’s mission sets it apart from others.
“Our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ is one that I haven’t seen in health care put out the same way,” he said.
AdventHealth Helipad // AdventHealth Riverview Press ReleaseAdventHealth Riverview has 82 available beds and offers a wide range of care including cardiology, labor and delivery, and neurosurgery.
Another unique part of the hospital? Its kitchen has a pizza oven.
Before opening, Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Cynthia Rowell said nursing, techs, and clinical staff underwent training with other care providers already within AdventHealth.
As the community grows, the facility plans to expand to 202 beds.
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Former state senator Jeff Brandes says a lack of legislative leadership is making it impossible to solve Florida’s ongoing property insurance crisis.
Brandes, speaking on WMNF WaveMakers with Janet & Tom, said term limits mean legislative leaders like Senate presidents and House speakers are in their positions for only two years, not enough time to develop and implement a long-term strategy to fix anything.
“Everything is tactical, there is no strategy,” said Brandes, who now heads a non-profit think tank called the Florida Policy Project. “Nobody can tell you the long-term strategy, Republican or Democrat, because it doesn’t exist.” Saying we want to lower the cost of property insurance is not a strategy, Brandes said, “that’s a hope.”
Brandes said his nonprofit Florida Policy Project, which issued a study on the insurance crisis six months ago, is trying to provide the kind of detailed fact-based research legislators need to develop new strategies for property insurance, transportation, criminal justice and housing. He considers himself a libertarian and favors market-based solutions but believes there’s a big role for federal, state and local governments to help.
Solutions to the property insurance crisis put forward by the Project include giving government assistance to property owners in flood-prone areas so they can improve their homes to meet current flood and wind mitigation standards, Brandes said. In addition, zoning should be changed to allow more units on a property so owners can generate revenue to help pay for the necessary improvements, he said, a solution that also addresses issues with affordable housing. To lessen the reliance on the state-backed non-profit Citizens Insurance, the largest property insurance company in the state, Florida government should offer incentives to grow the pool of providers, such as matching funds for start-ups.
A top priority for the Project this legislative session is to establish Centers of Excellence at Florida’s research universities to work on public policy issues like insurance and affordable housing.
Hear the entire conversation by clicking the link below, going to the WaveMakers archives or by searching for WMNF WaveMakers wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Tampa will receive $1 million in federal funding to help with transportation and housing developments.
Most of the money will send people into the community to find what areas need the most help and create project ideas.
Vik Bhide is the head of mobility and said the funding will bring inspectors into the city to evaluate potential projects. Tampa will see how they can support and fulfill the city’s needs.
He said the city will start with projects like the streetcar expansion, high-speed rail, and rapid bus transit routes.
Bhide said the city’s rapid growth is creating challenges in housing and transportation availability. So, unlike what Tampa has done in the past, he wants to see the development bundled to create the most impact.
“There is a need to consider both,” said Bhide
Some areas the city is looking at are downtown to USF and from the airport to downtown to Ybor City. Bhide said that’s where there are more transit demands currently.
“There is a need to consider both our housing and transportation challenges in that context and that context is that in the next 25 years, we anticipate over 200,000 jobs within the city of Tampa,” he said.
Eighty percent of those jobs will be held by people who don’t live in the city, Bhide added.
The city received a similar grant about a year ago, but this new program will provide funding assistance for evaluations to start projects.
“It will help review available real assets,” he said.
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Tampa Bay area counties see an alarming rise in school threatsOn Wednesday, three more teenagers were arrested for threats made against schools in Manatee County.
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna says she was threatenedLuna wrote on X that her office “has received a very serious shooting threat.” She blamed Democrats for running a “division and hate campaign against Republicans.”
Florida vs. CDC on vax guidanceFlorida officials are issuing statements that conflict with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about COVID-19 vaccines.
A massive spending plan for New College is approvedA multimillion-dollar plan to expand enrollment and continue other major changes at New College of Florida was approved Wednesday by the state university system’s Board of Governors, despite concerns about the cost.
Florida faculty are itching to leaveThe Tampa Bay Times reports that A new survey shows nearly 40 percent of Florida faculty have applied to institutions in other states, mainly because of Florida’s political climate.
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School shooting threats in Tampa region continueStatewide, school districts have been inundated with false shooting threats. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s message to students and their parents is if a kid gets arrested for making a threat, he’ll post the mugshot on social media.
DeSantis won’t mandate metal detectors in school districtsGovernor Ron DeSantis says metal detectors won’t be mandated in Florida schools. The governor’s remarks came at a press conference in Orlando the same day the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested an 11-year-old who made threats.
Tampa launches new project to update development codesTampa is launching a two-year project to update the city’s land development code. WMNF’s Chris Young reports, the city held a public kickoff meeting at the City Center at Hanna Avenue to introduce it.
Court date scheduled for Transgender Medicaid coverage caseAn appeals court will hear arguments in late November about whether Florida violated federal law. The battle questions the state’s move to block Medicaid coverage for transgender people seeking hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.
Forecasters monitoring two disturbancesForecasters are monitoring two tropical disturbances which could form into depressions by the weekend. The remnants of Gordon in the Atlantic could reform when it meets a non-tropical low.
The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Kiley Petracek
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Listen:Tampa is launching a two-year project to update the city’s land development code.
The city held a public kickoff meeting at the City Center at Hanna Avenue to introduce it.
The Land Development Code is the set of regulations that govern how land can be used and developed in the city.
It can include things like protecting a city’s historic buildings, creating housing choices, and improving walkability.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor addressed the crowd in a pre-recorded statement.
“As we welcome new investments and residents, it’s clear that our current land development code is not meeting our needs,” Castor said.
The current code is over 14 hundred pages, and is hard to understand.
So city officials hired outside consulting firm Clairon Associates to help make it clearer.
The group’s consultant Geoff Green says the new codes won’t please everyone.
“Our job is to engage with the entire community to figure out regulations that, as much as possible, meet the needs of all the different communities,” Green said.
Officials plan to test the new codes in various neighborhoods prior to implementation
Find more information here.
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James Gaddis, the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection employee who blew the whistle on DeSantis’ plan to privatize, plunder, and profit from letting developers put hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts in our last remaining Florida wild lands, and Max Chesnes, the Tampa Bay Times reporter who broke the State Parks story, and Anders Croy, from the DeSantis Watch accountability project, all joined MidPoint on Sept. 11, 2024, to discuss the revelations about the administration’s plans to develop the state parks, who would benefit from the plan and the public outcry against it.
You can listen to our show here, on the app, or as a WMNF MidPoint podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Florida Public Commission approved Duke Energy Florida’s multiyear rate agreement that goes into effect in January.
Customers will see an average annual 2% base rate increase throughout the period. The energy company says that revenue will go toward future developments that will lower energy costs over time.
However, customers will no longer be paying for the 2022 field under-recovery, storm restoration cost recovery, and some legacy purchased power contracts.
Removing these costs will lower customers’ overall bills, according to Duke.
“Several different charges are coming off the bill, that add up to a total of a billion dollars, will help reduce the total bill for customers January of 2025,” Duke’s Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Ana Gibbs said.
Gibbs said a customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will save around $8 on their electric bills in January.
The settlement doesn’t ask for a base rate increase in 2027. But Gibbs said it is too early to tell what the bills will look like in 2026.
“Powerplants will be upgraded and help customers save in the sense that we will be able to produce more power for less fuel and that means customers saving,” she said. “We estimate customers will save between $150 million to $200 million a year in reduced fuel costs from the power plants.”
The agreement also enables Duke to continue making investments to reduce outages, shorten response times, meet future energy demands, increase clean solar generation, and explore innovative technologies.
“We are building 12 new solar power plants between 2025 and 2027 that adds another 900 megawatts of clean energy to Florida grids,” said Gibbs
She said the company has already been building solar and by the end of the year, there will be 1500 megawatts of solar on the grid.
The plan in the future is to have about 4500 megawatts of utility skills solar generated online.
Having less fuel usage will contribute to one part of the bill decrease.
One of the groups that was a part of the unanimous approval, is the Sierra Club, the oldest and largest environmental advocacy organization nationwide.
The group said it will support Duke during this period so long as Duke remains focused on transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The Sierra Club did not sign the settlement agreement but has agreed not to oppose it, if they follow these commitments for looking into cleaner energy.
“We didn’t sign the agreement because Duke is still expanding gas compacity instead of leaning into solar, especially with solar compared with battery,” said Randolph.
But they want to be there to help with the transition to cleaner energy that Duke said they plan to do.
Randolph said that having clean renewable energy will be a more affordable, reliable, and cleaner way to help fight climate change.
“We are monitoring the gas in all of it. This settlement agreement is promising that it expands away from dirty expensive coal,” said Randolph.
Duke has agreed to do a comprehensive study to explore the potential for retiring coal-fired Crystal River units. There will also be a study on how solar power can contribute to a more reliable and stable source.
“They are looking at and doing the math for what it would be to look for earlier coal retirement for what they are currently planning with the Crystal River unit for 2034,” Randolph said.
She said that they have noticed when companies do this math and look at how expensive it is to use coal, they are retiring their units much quicker and hope Duke does the same.
Another component is Duke will agree not to disconnect electricity for nonpayment bills when temperatures are 95 degrees or higher.
This multiyear rate will affect the 2 million residents that use Duke and customers will notice a change from their December bills to January.
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Pinellas residents protest development proposal at Honeymoon Island State ParkWMNF’s Meghan Bowman reports on the protest of the proposed development of pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island State Park.
Hillsborough Schools ponder changing policy on emotional support animalsWMNF’s Chris Yong reports how getting an emotional support animal on a Hillsborough Public School’s campus may become more difficult.
Sloth fever is in FloridaU.S. health officials say more than 20 people returning to Florida from Cuba have been infected by Oropouche virus disease or sloth fever.
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Commentary by Martin Dyckman, Florida Trident
In a masterpiece of spin and understatement, the DeSantis administration credited “overwhelming interest” for temporarily pausing a scheme to put golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts on nine of Florida’s pristine state parks.
“Overwhelming opposition” better describes the thunderous “Hell no!” Tallahassee was hearing from private citizens and public officials throughout the state. “(O)verwhelming disgust and hatred,” ventured Florida author Jeff VanderMeer in a post on X.
The secretive groups behind the plan heard the dissent loud and clear. In a release to the Florida Trident today (as well as a public statement on its website), the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation acknowledged it sponsored the plan to build on the park and has pulled out due to the public backlash.
“We have received clear feedback that Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the [sic] not the right location [for the golf courses],” the group wrote. “We did not understand the local community landscape and appreciate the clarity. We will not pursue building in the beloved [park].”
Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Courtesy: Discover Martin County)The foundation shares an Owasso, Oklahoma address with Folds of Honor, a nationally recognized charity that funds scholarships for the families of slain and disabled service members and, since 2002, first responders. Folds of Honor is also tied to golfing great Jack Nicklaus, who was part of a similar (failed) plan to put a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson several years ago. That group also dropped its current plans to develop the golf courses on Jonathan Dickinson, according to a tweet today by right-wing pundit Dan Bongino.
Tuskegee Dunes, which wrote that “serving God and Country is our daily goal,” retained two lobbyists in Tallahassee this year. One of them was Ryan Matthews, who served as interim secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under Rick Scott, the last governor to eye any Florida parks for golf courses. So the plot thickens.
These are the latest blows to the heinous plan to develop Florida’s state parks and they follow even high-ranking Republican colleagues publicly telling Gov. Ron DeSantis what he may not be accustomed to hearing from them: No. Don’t do it.
Among the elected naysayers have been Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Matt Gaetz, and Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
Florida’s most arrogant governor may finally have found limits to what he can pull off.
But don’t count on it.
The scheme is paused, not dead.
The DEP, which had announced a set of one-hour public hearings for next Tuesday, Aug. 27, abruptly postponed the hearings late Friday afternoon, most likely to the week of September 2.
It said it would be looking for larger venues to accommodate the mass turnouts that were looming despite the DEP’s tactic of scheduling the hearings for a weekday afternoon, with no Zoom or other remote access.
“You better book the Marlins Park…” advised another post on X.
Despite hearing no from almost everyone else, the DEP was still heartily promoting the scheme as late as Friday. The governor’s office has not disclaimed responsibility. The intent seems to implement the plan without legislation, perhaps by leasing sites to developers. The one certain result of that would be costly litigation.
If it goes through, the DEP should be renamed the Department of Environmental Prostitution.
Here’s what’s at stake:
The most drastic damage would be at Jonathan Dickinson, where two 18-hole courses and a nine-hole course, destroying more than 1,000 acres overall, would bracket the Brightline railroad, extinguish scrub habitat, and require the relocation of several buildings including a regional park office complex and the Hobe Mountain observation tower that stands atop an 86-foot dune.
Topsail Hill Preserve (Courtesy: Florida State Parks)There are already at least 28 golf courses in Martin County.
Next worst, in the magnitude of environmental desecration, would be Anastasia State Park at St. Augustine, where the the plan calls for a 350-room lodge—that’s a fancy word for hotel—a disc golf course and pickleball courts intruding on a marine hammock.
Third worst in magnitude of destruction: Topsail Hill Preserve in Walton County, with another 350-room lodge, disc golf, and pickleball.
Jonathan Dickinson and three other parks targeted by the DEP—Camp Helen, Grayton Beach and Topsail Hill—are part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. That’s a special interest of Senate President Passidomo, R-Naples, who was one of the first officials to oppose the DEP scheme.
In addition to providing a safe environment for wildlife, the corridor is home to a variety of species that are “unique and considered rare, threatened or endangered,” according to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Those include the “globally rare” coastal scrub at Dickinson and “vital coastal lakes and wetlands” at Topsail Hill Preserve. Imperiled animals include the Florida Scrub Jay and the Gopher Tortoise
“We have worked hard to improve our state parks with the goal of protecting and preserving natural habitats, and enhancing access to passive recreational activities like hiking, biking or canoeing,” Passidomo posted on X.
In choosing the adjective “passive,” Passidomo underscored the critical difference between the DeSantis plan and the actual mission of Florida’s national award-winning system of 175 state parks, nature preserves and historic sites.
On its own website, the DEP lists 14 examples of “resource-based” outdoor recreation that depend upon and only minimally disturb wilderness areas “natural and cultural environments that cannot be easily duplicated by man.”
“In contrast,” the document explains, “user‐oriented recreation” like golf, disc golf, and pickleball, which are included in the parks plan by the DEP, do not belong, by any stretch of imagination, in any of Florida’s parks.
In addition to replacing natural habitat, golf courses are prodigious users of water, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. According to a meme reposted by State Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, there are already 1,265 golf courses in Florida.
Anastasia State Park (Courtest: Facebook/Anastasia State Park)Pickleball, while rapidly growing in popularity, is controversial for being noisier than tennis. The balls are plastic, not felt, the paddles are wooden or composite, not stringed, and the play is faster. The players tend to be louder as well.
The state parks have no business in that business, which should be left to municipal recreation departments.
As for hotels and motels, Florida already has more than 4,600 of them with nearly half a million rooms, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourist marketing agency. Unlike some remote national parks like Grand Canyon, all of Florida’s parks are within an easy drive of a wide selection of commercial accommodations.
Nineteen Florida parks already have cabins for rent but only one park, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, 30 miles south of Tallahassee, has a lodge. The DEP cites that as a precedent for building more, but it is and should remain one of a kind. The Wakulla Springs lodge is a historic structure, built almost a century ago, long before the state acquired the property to protect what is thought to be the world’s deepest and largest freshwater spring.
The DEP’s own online descriptions are some of the best reasons why the parks should be left alone. Phrases in quotations are by the DEP:
- Camp Helen State Park, in the Panhandle, borders Lake Powell, “the largest coastal dune lake in Florida,” according to the DEP.
- Grayton Beach State Park, at Santa Rosa Beach, ranks “among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. …Those who want to explore on foot have 4 miles of trails to traverse through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias are bent and twisted by salt winds.” In a notice posted June 20, the DEP said the park “frequently reaches capacity and may temporarily close.” It hardly needs a disc golf course and pickleball courts to enhance its popularity.
- Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, targeted for a lodge, a disc golf course and pickleball courts, offers “more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks and ancient sand dunes.”
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park—yes, “preserve” is in the name—is near Destin. Named for white quartz dunes that from a distance resemble a ship’s sails, the park boasts “a rare coastal ecosystem of freshwater dune lakes that teem with aquatic wildlife” and is refuge for 13 imperiled species. The DEP plan calls for a lodge, a disc golf course, and pickleball courts in the marine hammock.
- Hillsborough River State Park, near Tampa, is a “breathtaking oasis of natural and historic significance,” offering class II river rapids, “which are rare in Florida.” It’s targeted for a disc golf course and pickleball courts. According to the Pickleheads web site, Tampa has 134 pickleball courts, the most in Florida, at 27 locations.
Hillsborough River State Park (Courtesy: Florida State Parks)* Oleta River State Park, in Miami-Dade County, offers 15 miles of off-road biking and paddling through “lush mangrove forests.” Visitors find it “difficult to believe” that it is only 30 minutes from downtown Miami. It’s another state park that “frequently reaches capacity, especially on weekends.” And yet the DeSantis administration thinks it needs a disc golf course and pickleball courts. * Honeymoon Island State Park at Dunedin—where DeSantis grew up—has four miles of beachfront and a three-mile trail through “one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.” It offers visitors “an escape from the bustle of city life.” No pickleball courts belong there either. * The Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, just south of Port Everglades, “is the last example of an undeveloped coastal ecosystem in Broward County.” It is named for two civil rights leaders who led wade-ins to desegregate South Florida beaches. Now, says the DEP, “the park is a popular location for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling and picnicking, offering a haven where everyone can escape the hectic pace of the metropolis and reconnect with nature.” It’s no place for pickleball courts.
Gov. DeSantis’ outdoor taste runs more to golf than the nature-friendly recreation for which Florida’s state parks are nationally renowned and have four times been voted the nation’s best. He met his wife at a driving range. When he lamented that being governor was cutting into his tee times, a wealthy contributor, Moretz “Mori” Hosseini, chairman of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, gifted him with the loan of a golfing simulator said to be worth $28,000.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (Courtesy: Florida State Parks)Any Florida governor should know that if there’s one thing Floridians of all ages and almost all political persuasions are wild about, it’s not golf. It’s not pickleball. It’s their state parks.
DeSantis’s GOP colleagues know that even if he doesn’t. They must know also how his scheme could cost them their supermajorities in the Legislature on Nov. 5.
Had DeSantis consulted Scott, his predecessor could have warned him off. In 2011, Scott had two legislators introduce a bill to have the Jack Nicklaus organization build golf courses at four parks—specifically including Dickinson—and hotels as well. The public reaction was so ferocious that the legislators sheepishly withdrew the legislation a week later.
“Floridians spoke very clearly over the past several days on this proposal, and they are the reason I’m in office,” said the House sponsor, then-Rep. Tom Rooney, R-West Palm Beach.
Floridians are speaking very clearly again. What they’re saying to DeSantis and the DEP ought to be unmistakable.
Don’t pause it.
Call it off.
This article first appeared on Florida Trident and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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©2024 The News Service of Florida
A major Central Florida landowner said Monday it is seeking to annex 52,450 acres of property into the city of Orlando, saying it will work with the city to “envision a framework for smart growth in future decades.”
Farmland Reserve, Inc., which is an investment arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said it has filed a proposal to annex part of its Deseret Ranch property into the city.
The company said it has completed what are known as “sector plans” for property it owns in Osceola County but has not made progress on planning with Orange County.
“Annexation of our Deseret Ranch property into Orlando allows us to look ahead to the next 70 years and beyond, to establish a long-term vision for this land as an integral, unified planning area to prepare for the future of a growing region, with conserving natural resources always as the first consideration in our planning,” Doug Rose, president of Farmland Reserve, said in a prepared statement.
Rose also said that putting the “property under a single municipal government will avoid the piecemeal planning of the past.”
The announcement said Deseret Ranch produces citrus and timber, has a cattle operation and leases land for solar-energy production.
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©2024 The News Service of Florida
The state Department of Environmental Protection has pushed back a series of meetings about a controversial proposal to add lodges, pickleball and golf at state parks.
Eight meetings had been scheduled for Tuesday at sites throughout the state, but the department said Friday in a post on the social media site X that new meeting dates will be announced for the week of Sept. 2.
“We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate,” the department said.
The post said the agency was looking for new venues to accommodate the public.
The proposal, dubbed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” has drawn opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups.
The proposed changes, which would affect nine parks, include lodges of up to 350 rooms, pickleball courts, disc golf courses and golf courses.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the group behind the proposal to build golf courses on Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the Delaware-registered Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, is withdrawing its plan.
The Times also reports that “More than a hundred people gathered at Honeymoon Island Saturday and Sunday. Hundreds also gathered at Anastasia State Park and Jonathan Dickinson State Park in protest of the state’s plan.” Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Park are two of the parks where recreational development are proposed.
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Abortion rights amendment financial impact statement will be on the ballotThe state Constitution dealt with a blow yesterday by the Florida Supreme Court when they cleared the way for a revised “financial impact statement” on the November ballot.
Guidance on chaplains in Florida schoolWMNF’s Chris Young reports how the Florida Department of Education issued guidelines on a new controversial law.
Plans for changes to Florida State ParksFlorida officials plan to add golf courses, hotels, and pickleball courts to state parks from St.Augustine to Miami.
A new program to help communities in needWMNF’s Colleen Cole reports how Govoner Ron DeSantis plans to introduce a new program to communities in need after Hurricane Debby.
Public employees union trial against Florida will be in OctoberEducation unions and the state will be reading to trial in October in a lawsuit challenging restrictions that Govoner Ron DeSantis and the Legislature placed on public-employee unions.
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Tampa City Council member Gwen Henderson, is passionate about preserving Black spaces and institutions so they are not lost to history.
In a wide-ranging interview on WMNF WaveMakers with Janet & Tom on Tuesday (8/20), Henderson bemoaned the city’s decision to kick a historically Black little league out of West Tampa so the land could be used for private development.
The ballpark was important to the neighborhood, she said, and rooted in Tampa’s Black history. As the Tampa Bay Times reported, “The Yellow Jackets were founded in 1967, the same year a white Tampa police officer killed a Black teenager. Segregation had long locked Black residents out of opportunity. The killing was a boiling point. Days of unrest left Central Avenue, the Black economic hub, in ruins. “We rose from the ashes,” Wright told the Times.
Then-Mayor Bob Buckhorn recommended the Yellow Jackets Little League be relocated to a city park in Tampa Heights. The Tampa City Council voted unanimously to do just that. Henderson said that was a mistake. The city should have insisted the ballpark be incorporated into the redevelopment plans.
What’s galling to Henderson is that a decade after that decision, the old ballpark has yet to be redeveloped while the new ballpark is rundown and in need of improvement.
“Having a park there would have been ideal,” said Henderson. “It was perfect where it was.” Now Henderson is pushing her City Council colleagues to amend the development agreement with the Related Group to require the developers to pay to improve the new ballpark. The council has already amended the agreement at the request of the developer, so turnabout is fair play, she said.
As long as she’s on the council, Henderson said, she will be a voice to preserve Black spaces. That includes city-owned land near the predominantly Black Carver City neighborhood used for sanitation trucks. Developers are eying the land for redevelopment. It’s located near the booming Midtown and Westshore areas and values are rising. But Henderson said it should not be sold off for gentrified development that does not benefit Carver City, which had to put up with the sanitation site for decades.
“Black spaces in the city of Tampa are almost not existent,” Henderson said. “We have historical markers saying what was once there.”
Henderson also discussed her work as chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency, including efforts to build workforce housing, and her involvement in the Black sorority Delta Sigma Theta, one of the “Divine 9” that includes the sorority of Kamala Harris and the late Shirley Chisholm.
Hear the entire conversation by clicking the link below, going to the WaveMakers archives or by searching for WMNF WaveMakers wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Listen:The new Rays stadium and Historic Gas Plant development deal could be inching closer to approval. Pinellas County Commissioners met Thursday to discuss plans to contribute nearly $313 million towards a new stadium.
The County Commission met in a relatively short workshop. Kathleen Peters is the chair of the board.
“Glad the city had to do the big part, and we just got the ancillary.”
This comes after the St. Pete City Council had multiple hours-long discussions combing through the deal.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch joined county administration and commissioners at the workshop. Pinellas County’s investment would be $312 million. It would come from tourist development, or “bed tax” money.
Commissioner Chris Latvala questioned city administrator Rob Gerdes about the Rays’ stake in the deal.
“Assuming this gets approved Tuesday, can the Rays sell their portion of the development deal on Wednesday?
“They can transfer to a Rays affiliate or a Hines affiliate without city council approval. If they wanted to sell their interest in the redevelopment to an outside party, it would require vetting and approval by our city council.”
Rennee Flowers was concerned about office space affordability in the planned office space near the stadium
“One of the things I would like to make sure is that we’re bringing back economic development, but we’ve got to make sure that those businesses can actually afford to pay the rent.”
Commissioners also discussed the sustainability of the stadium and the timeline for the project.
The Commission is set to vote on the deal on Tuesday.
The post Pinellas County Commission workshops Rays stadium deal before vote appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Listen:The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a new Rays stadium and redevelopment project of the Historic Gas Plant District.
After a 5 to 3 vote, the landmark deal will now go to the Pinellas County Commission for approval.
Members of the audience applauded after the vote was made.
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch, who grew up in the Historic Gas Plant District, is a big supporter of the deal.
“As to the stadium agreement, far from being an unreasonable subsidy or giveaway, it is a major win for our city.”
The vote came after an hours-long workshop with the city council on Tuesday.
There, city administration fielded questions on topics ranging from the stadium’s sustainability to affordable housing in the district.
Public commenters had mixed feelings about the deal.
Member Richie Floyd explained why he voted against the deal.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars for a stadium is not in the public’s interest. And every community benefit in this agreement, is a literal crumb compared to the money we’re spending on the stadium.”
But chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders says she supports the deal, but still wants there to be oversight.
“I’m still going to hold us accountable on the city level, to ensure that this is going to be one of the greatest deals that the city of St. Petersburg has ever seen come to fruition.”
The Pinellas County Commission is scheduled to vote July 30th.
The post St. Pete City Council approves new Rays stadium, Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment deal appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Hillsborough School Board will vote on legal action to keep tax questions on the ballotA referendum that asked Hillsborough County voters to increase their property taxes to help teachers was blocked from the ballot by County commissioners yesterday.
St. Pete votes Thursday on Rays stadium and redevelopmentWith environmental concerns, the draft plan promises energy conservation by implementing solar power. The predicted cost of the project is estimated at $6.5 billion.
My Safe Florida Home funds dry upNew Applications are paused for The My Safe Florida Home program. This program provides up to $10,000 in grant money for hurricane home protection to lower insurance costs for qualified homeowners.
Hillsborough tests ballots and machinesHillsborough County’s Canvassing Board is meeting this morning to oversee what’s known as a public Logic and Accuracy Test of ballot scanners.
Largemouth bass will be called Florida bassThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced yesterday that the largemouth bass is now called the Florida Bass. It will be its own species, separated from the largemouth bass.
The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Leah Burdick
WMNF anchors Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane, Colleen Cole
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.
Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
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A panel of local transportation advocates joined us to discuss the current state of transportation projects in Hillsborough County on July 17, 2024. Alan Clendinen is a Tampa City Council member and serves as Tampa’s representative on the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). Hoyt Prindle III is an attorney and serves on the Transportation Planning Organization’s Citizen Advisory Board. Amanda Brown is a local transportation advocate and was formerly the legislative aide to former County Commissioner Mariella Smith.
Vote Like a Transit Advocate!We began our discussion with a review of an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times authored by Hoyt Prindle and published on June 25 decrying the TPO vote to renew the widening of I-275 from the downtown interchange to Bearss Ave as a priority transportation project. Prindle explained that previously, the TPO had determined NOT to make this a priority project because of all of the negative effects it would have on the City’s inner urban core, the depression of surrounding property values, and the health and welfare of the surrounding neighborhoods. He also explained that it has been established as a fact that widening roads does not make for better, faster traffic flow because of the concept of “induced demand”–meaning that the more lanes offered, the more traffic will fill them. Prindle reminded listeners that the reason for the different vote on the TPO today, from that taken about ten years ago was because of the change in the composition of the membership on the TPO, particularly the election of different municipal officials who have different visions and priorities for transportation projects in the region. He suggested that voters look closely at the transportation priorities of electoral candidates as we cast our ballots in the future and vote for candidates who are transportation advocates too.
Trolley Time for Tampa?Alan Clendinden reviewed the status of the Tampa streetcar extension project and his hopes that in the next 5 or 6 years we could ride a streetcar that extends up through Tampa Heights to Columbus Ave. Clendinen discussed the many different transit projects that he hoped to see in the future in Tampa, from transit options from the airport to Brightline to Orlando and beyond. It is his philosophy that transit must be built from the urban core out to the suburbs, rather than trying to do massive county-wide projects beyond the city center all at once.
Show Me the Money!Amanda Brown explained the status of our Hillsborough County transportation surtax money. The collected tax has been held by the state ever since the tax was challenged in court and repealed. Up to 11% of the amount collected will go to lawyers who challenged the tax and administrators for a refund process, while much of the balance will go to a Florida sales tax holiday and the funds that are permitted to go to transportation are now required to be spent only on road paving, according to the priorities of the Republican-controlled Florida legislature.
The Bus is Busted.All of the guests and our call-in listeners advocated for more and better HART bus service. Despite calls for a more robust, frequent, and reliable bus transit system, the money simply isn’t there to improve the system, according to Amanda Brown. Forty-seven percent of the transportation surtax was intended for improving HART, but those funds are not available now. Transportation funding mechanisms are highly restricted by the Florida legislature which has limited how municipalities can raise transportation funds, and the legislature itself does not seem likely to increase funding for any sort of mass transit in our region other than the Brightline train. Short of electing new legislators more friendly to mass transit, there is little that can be done to better our bus system.
Our wide-ranging discussion covered many more transportation issues from Brightline to bike lanes to Bayshore Blvd. The entire show is available for listening on demand here, on the WMNF app, and as a WMNF MidPoint podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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Listen:The St. Petersburg City Council met Tuesday for a final Rays stadium and redevelopment deal workshop.
There were concerns over a forgotten burial ground under the proposed development.
St. Pete City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders brought up excavating the site at a point during Tuesday’s hours-long meeting.
“There are people that are buried there. I think we owe them the honor not to continue to build over them.”
The area is home to Oaklawn Cemetery.
It’s an African American Cemetery that was paved over for the stadium and its parking lots.
In response to Figgs-Sanders, the city’s workforce and development director Brian Caper mentioned the past radar efforts at the stadium.
“In that, it identified four areas, that there was a disturbance. That could mean anything really. The next step is to do ground truthing, which is to dig on the site to determine what is actually there, and if that disturbance aligns with remains.”
Caper says efforts will continue.
Officials say a plan will be formed once a report is completed – which could be as early as late fall.
Figgs-Sanders says it is important to offer proper respect to the deceased.
“When we say we want to pay homage to the defendants, it can’t get any more honorable than that.”
Another one of the key topics of discussion was about the promised affordable housing in the deal.
Council member Richie Floyd has concerns the deal gives developers too much leeway to possibly not provide the affordable housing
“The public should be aware that this deal doesn’t provide the affordable housing, it just outlines how future deals will provide it. I think that’s an important distinction, and one that I’m frustrated by.”
However, council member Copley Gerdes disagrees.
“Yes, there is affordable housing because we discounted the land. If that is within that realm, I think that agreement provides that.”
Environmental concerns were also a point of concern.
The draft says the developers would use “good faith” and “commercially reasonable” to get LEED ceritifcations for the stadium.
LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
But council member Brandi Gabbard says LEED focuses on sustainability, not resiliency.
“I would much rather look back on this after it is built, and be proud of the way it was built, versus being proud of a placard on the side of the building that says LEED certified.”
The deal also promised energy conservation such as the use of solar energy.
The project is predicted to cost $6.5 billion dollars.
The City Council will vote on the stadium and redevelopment deal Thursday.
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Listen:One of Tampa’s historic and underserved communities is set to undergo a major transformation over the next few years. A new multi-million dollar project will help revamp the Palmetto Beach area.
The nearly 25 million dollar federal grant will come from President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure plan.
It will help fund major stormwater and mobility improvements in the Palmetto Beach area.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says it’s the third time they’ve gone after this grant.
“It is an area that, over the years, has gradually declined, and due to the deteriorating infrastructure has become disconnected from important transportation networks in our city”
It’s called Pathways to Palmetto.
The project will focus on Bermuda Boulevard, a two-lane roadway that hugs McKay Bay.
Tampa officials say they will improve current issues like the street’s unmarked parking, narrow sidewalks, and slim buffer between it and the shore.
Congress person Kathy Castor says flooding protections are important for the community.
“What happens here with a major storm and high tide – it’s not safe due to flooding, and it’s not fair that certain neighborhoods are flooded out while others are able to build up.”
The city is providing a match of around 6 million dollars and expects the project to take up to 5 years to complete.
The post Tampa’s Palmetto Beach to undergo over $25 million revamp appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
At a press conference for Tampa’s new Black History Museum Monday, city leaders and elected officials spoke out against Governor DeSantis’ nearly 1 billion dollars worth of vetoes in the state budget.
One of the items vetoed was a proposed amphitheater in Tampa’s historic Perry Harvey Sr. Park. The park is located at the site of Tampa’s historically Black commercial district that was demolished after integration.
Democratic Representative Dianne Hart sponsored the request for over one and a half million in state funds for the project.
“We’ve looked for that amphitheater for more than ten, almost 15 years. To be able to have a bandstand right here in a community that truly deserves it and needs it, and we cannot understand why he cut it.”
While celebrating the forthcoming museum located directly across from the park, speakers including City Councilmember Gwendolyn Henderson also lamented the DeSantis’ veto.
“I was devastated, it was like a loss. It was almost like a lost the campaign or something. I mean, I just felt so horrible because I was so excited that I could share this with the community.”
Dianne Hart says she plans to request the funds again.
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What is NIL, how has it changed college sports and why are schools under investigation?Collegiate sports, largely unchanged for more than a century, has experienced unprecedented change in less than one year. Much of that change has been centered around name, image and likeness (NIL).Amateurism has been part of the fabric of collegiate sports since the NCAA’s earliest inception. To oversimplify it: Players could not be paid to play. Student-athletes received only scholarships. But in June 2021, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the NCAA in NCAA v. Alston that the NCAA could not limit education-related payments to student-athletes. The NCAA then deferred to state laws on NIL — and, in states that hadn’t passed laws, the schools themselves. Two things remained verboten, per the NCAA: No pay-for-play, and no quid pro quo. Athletes weren’t supposed to receive compensation tied to performance, and recruits weren’t supposed to sign deals contingent on going to a certain school.
Article credited to By The Athletic College Football Staff
The post Fire and Ice Host Interviewed local business owner and youth coach: Mike Trigg on the education of name, image, and likeness(NIL) appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Teen arrested for bringing gun to schoolA 10th grader at Gibbs High School was charged with having a gun on campus yesterday. The boy will be charged with possession of a firearm on school property.
Wetlands PermittingAn appeal court refused to put on hold a U.S. district judge ruling in a battle about permits for projects that affect Florida wetlands. The court rejected arguments by the state and business groups. The three-judge panel said that Florida had not satisfied the requirements for a stay.
Schools celebrate federal fundsHillsborough County Public Schools celebrated a large investment of federal and community funding earlier today. WMNF Jimmy Rosilio reports the money will go into trade career programs.
2,500 COVID-19 deaths in Florida this yearFlorida reported over 2,500 deaths related to COVID-19 this year according to the Department of Health website. These numbers have gone down compared to the last four years.
Transgender teacher wins a legal battleIn April a federal judge ruled that a transgender Hillsborough County teacher can use her preferred pronouns. WMNF’s Chris Young reports that the teacher considers this a win.
Do age limits violate strippers’ rights?Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill last week preventing strippers under age 21 from performing in adult-environment establishments across Florida. In July, people under 21 will not be able to work as exotic dancers and will be charged with second-degree felony if establishments continue to do so.
The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Leah Burdick
WMNF anchors Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane, Colleen Cole
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.
Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF
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Listen:The proposed redevelopment of Tropicana Field and the area around it would be the biggest project in St. Petersburg history. An advocacy group wants more environmental protections in the deal.
Michael McGrath is the lead organizer for Sierra Club Florida. He says the group isn’t against the deal, but wants to see it improve.
“As it currently stands, we don’t feel like the development agreement goes far enough to be able to address some of the concerns we have around climate resiliency, around trying to steward and also protect our natural environment, and also trying to do things around securing clean energy that the city desperately needs.”
He cites St. Petersburg 2016 pledge to transition to clean energy by 2035.
“After all, St. Pete is the sunshine city in the sunshine state. This stadium, and also all of the associated development, should be powered by solar energy and by clean and renewable energies.”
He says the St. Petersburg City Council has been receptive towards the Sierra Club and other groups concerns.
“So we’re really getting close towards this thing being finalized, and we’re very encouraged and hopeful that some of the key votes on council will be able to make amendments to the development agreement that gets us a fair and better deal for residents.”
On Thursday afternoon, the Sierra Club joined other organizations on the steps of City Hall to voice their dissatisfaction.
The post Group pushes for stronger environmental protections in Rays redevelopment deal appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Listen:Some St. Petersburg city councilmembers are pushing back against a 6.5 billion dollar proposed deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and their developer. Here’s more details from yesterday’s meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District surrounding the Rays stadium:
St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch, City Council, and representatives from the Rays and their development partner, Hines, met at city hall to discuss the proposed agreement. The meeting, called a Committee of the Whole, was for City Council to deliberate the deal.
Welch addressed city council at the beginning of the meeting. He was raised in the predominately black Gas Plant district.
“Having lived this experience, I believe that the set of agreements that we have developed with your input and with extensive community engagement, are the key to completing this journey in a manner that is fiscally responsible, equitable, and honors the promises of jobs and inclusive economic opportunity.”
Council member Lisset Hanewicz criticized wording in the deal. She questioned why Rays’ principal owner Stu Sternberg could still be involved in the development, even if he were to sell the team.
“You’re the developer, you’re the one that comes to the table with a lot of experience. He could become the developer under this agreement. Why is he personally included?”
Council member Richie Floyd criticized a lack of engagement for a construction apprenticeship program.
“I see that there’s money directed towards apprentices, but that could mean a number of things.”
The group No Home Run protested outside of city hall. They say the Rays and Hines should pay rent to make up for potentially lost property tax dollars, split revenue with the city and county and be required to buy the land at a fairer value.
The plan was for city leaders to discuss the new stadium in another meeting this month. But, that meeting is being pushed back so city leaders will have more time to review the agreement.
The post More details from St Pete City Council’s talk on Rays development plan appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Listen:St Petersburg City officials met Thursday to discuss the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District surrounding the Rays stadium. Developers and planners faced questions about the plan, including concerns that the deal gives developer Hines too much power.
St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch, City Council, and representatives from the Rays and their development partner, Hines, met at city hall to discuss the proposed agreement. The meeting, called a Committee of the Whole, was for City Council to deliberate the deal.
Rays president Bryan Auld spoke towards the beginning of the meeting.
“We know that not everyone loves every aspect of this deal. How could they? That’s not how compromise that is designed to appeal to wide and diverse constituencies work.”
A common issue among councilmembers were concerns that the deal gave the developer too much power. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz emphasized a portion of the deal regarding the city’s right to terminate the agreement.
“In no event the city have a right to terminate the agreement, notwithstanding any default by developer or parcel developer.”
There were also concerns about the affordable housing plans for the redevelopment. One portion of the deal allowed for developers to have what Councilmember Richie Floyd saw as too much flexibility in locations.
“I just don’t want – to be blunt about it – there to be a possibility that all the affordable housing be could be in one corner wedged next to the interstate. I’d would like to see some protection for that added here.”
The group No Home Run protested outside of city hall. They say the Rays and Hines should pay rent to make up for potentially lost property tax dollars, split revenue with the city and county and be required to buy the land at a fairer value.
The council will meet again to discuss the agreement.
Timeline for St. Pete construction // Credit St Petersburg 5/9/24The post St. Petersburg city officials question proposed Historic Gas Plant deal appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
The Elite Factory is a gym generally for anyone and specifically for athletes who want to be disciplined and skilled while pursuing a professional career in high school, college, or professional sports industries. The Elite Factory has trained many youths their parents, and young adults through strength and agility training sessions that prepare individuals to win whether it’s MLB, football, or basketball. The competitive edge is the entire gym is equipped with the highest quality of equipment that does not damage the body while training or getting in shape. The Elite Factory trains: D1 -athletes, MLB, and football and recoveries athletes.
Services outcomes and provided:
Customized training for individuals
Motivation sessions813
Personalized coaching
Measurable outcomes-results
The Elite Factory is located on Nebraska Avenue, 1493 Tampa Park Plaza, Tampa, FL 33605
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The Forum talks with Tampa, FL City Councilman Luis Viera talks resolution 568, a truth and reconciliation resolution to confront historic economic racism.
Craig Powell announce Raising The Bar: criminal justice and prison recidivism reduction initiative.
Host Walter L Smith II.
Grounation Day in the Rastafari commemorate the day in 1966 when Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I visited Jamaica.
His Imperial Majesty was a figure worshipped as a deity by Rastafari everywhere. (Selassie was born Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael on July 23, 1892, in the Ethiopian village of Ejersa Goro; the title, Ras, is a noble honorific thus, Ras Tafari.
The current Ethiopian Royal Family
The President of the Ethiopian Crown Council, His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, the grandson of Emperor Haile-Selassie and his family.His Imperial Highness is the father of twin sons — Princes Sahle-Selassie (Christian) and Fesseha Tsion (Rufael) — born on February 20, 1992.The post Restorative Justice, Truth and Reconciliation appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
On Monday April 15, 2024, Tanja and Anni were joined by Dayna Lazarus is AICP certified in urban planning, co-founder of Transit Now Tampa Bay. Dayna has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning and graduate certificates in Sustainable Transportation and Community Development. She has dedicated her life and career to improving outcomes in housing affordability, transportation sustainability and climate resilience.
Topics discussed:
What is urban/regional planning
What Tampa Bay is doing right/wrong in transportation
Racial inequality and how it relates to urban and transportation planning
How citizens can impact planning decisions
biking safety in Tampa
and more!
Find out more about Dayna and her projects at Transit Now Tampa Bay on Facebook and the website for Sunshine Citizens. You can also email her at Lazarus@flhousing.org
If you love what we do on Sustainable Living, don’t forget to tune in every Monday at 11am on WMNF 88.5fm or listen to past episodes in the archives. If you’d like to donate to show your support, head over to the donations page and direct your pledge to the Sustainable Living Show.
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Listen:One of the largest projects undertaken by the Tampa’s Parks and Recreation department has begun. The groundbreaking of a new recreation complex happened Friday in East Tampa.
Community leaders and developers gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking at Fair Oaks Park near Middleton High School in East Tampa.
A model showing Fair Oaks’ planned 33,055-square-foot recreation center // Credit: City of Tampa news release, 4/12/24Tampa City Councilmember Gwendolyn Henderson represents District 5.
“People say stuff not happening in East Tampa, you let them know – you’s a lie! That is not true. That is not true. We are developing East Tampa, we care about East Tampa!”
The $34.7-million project was approved by Tampa City Council last month. The centerpiece is a 33 thousand square foot center with a gym, classrooms, and a dedicated space for seniors. The project will also have basketball and pickleball courts.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor spoke at the groundbreaking.
“This hasn’t been an easy road that we have travelled but I think we can all agree that it is definitely worth it.”
But Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson doesn’t agree. He says the park is outrageously expensive, and criticized the bidding process for the construction.
“As a policy person or a businessperson, you have to look at the total expense, not just the capital expense, because, my great grandkids, if I have any, are going to be paying for the park.”
The new recreation center is expected to open in fall 2025, and the entire complex is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026.
The post Tampa breaks ground on one of largest city park projects to date appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Pinellas County is mostly built out. But new construction could expand by renewing older sites. The Urban Land Institute held its Florida Summit last weekend to explore what communities are doing to attract new businesses and industries to the area. Developers from around the country shared their best practices for walkable and mixed-use communities at the Florida Summit, while praising Florida efforts to design city centers like Water Street in Tampa. And now Pinellas County seeks to mobilize resources to make that region a hub to employ workers in the industrial sector. Teresa Brydon is the redevelopment manager with Pinellas County Economic Development. She manages the employment sites program
“Which is a $92 million dollar program where we get to help developers and/or business entities grow and expand their footprints throughout Pinellas County.”
The program is funded by Penny for Pinellas, a sales tax increase approved by voters in 2017 intended to help fund local infrastructure, with a third of those dollars collected coming from tourists and seasonal visitors. She said there should be some major projects completed over the next decade to put that $92 million back into capital improvement projects.
“We’ve got five different rounds of funding where we’ve committed somewhere in the neighborhood of about $27 million dollars to over 20 projects throughout the county primarily focused on industrial, industrial flex, Class A office, and then headquarter operations where people are doing expansions.”
Brydon said several old sites built out in the 1970s and 1980s are in need of renewal to make them more enticing for businesses. She said the program will use grants to offset funding gaps in new office or industrial developments. You can learn more about the initiative at pced.org/esp.
The post Pinellas County now offers grants for industrial development appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
Nicole Payne, Rep. Dianne Hart in the Sunday Forum After-show with Walter L. Smith II at WMNF Community Radio.
FL State Reps, Dianne Hart, Fentrice Driskell and Susan Valdes join the Forum. Hillsborough Black Chamber President Nicole Payne also join in to talk about an upcoming Townhall on State Laws.
April is also the month WMNF Community Radio focus on climate and the environment on our Mission Calendar.
Host Walter L. Smith II give updates on environmental racism and health.
Sunday Forum simulcast 2nd hour
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Hillsborough County N.A.A.C.P. President, Yvette Lewis talk vision, reconciliation and a major event, ACT-SO: Afro-academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics.
Lewis applaud progress on the race reconciliation Resolution 568 on Tampa city council and the rebuild plans for two inner-city public schools.
Callers celebrate the historic N.A.A.C.P. organization recalling past local presidents Bob Gilder and Henry Carly.
Lewis explains that voting, advocating, educating, agitating as well as litigating has contributed to progress in critical times.
The post Madam President: Progress From Agitation in Black Tampa appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
The Skinny survived Mitch Perry’s 60-day exile in Tallahassee, and today he returned to the WMNF Tampa studio to start a recap of the legislative session that should run a few weeks.
Democratic Ashley Gantt, a first-term representative from Miami-Dade who just wrapped her second session, joined us on the top of the show.
The former public school teacher and Broward County Public Defender, talked about the session’s missed opportunities, especially on property insurance, education, medicaid, and more.
Republican Rep. Mike Beltran, who lives in Riverview and represents parts of Hillsborough and Manatee Countries, checked for the last half of the show to talk about social media, abortion and more.
Download audio from the show via wmnf.org. Listen via podcast services like Apple Music, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
And if you haven’t already, please contribute to WMNF’s Spring Fund Drive, where The Skinny fell about $700 short of its goal.
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On February 19th 2024 88.5 WMNF Sustainable Living hosts Tanja Vidovic and Anni Ellis spoke with local environmentalist Tom Ries. Tom Ries is a nationally known ecologist with more than 40 years of experience restoring natural systems in the SE. His work has garnered numerous environmental awards and resulted in the restoration of more than 3,800 acres of wetlands and coastal communities. He is a recognized expert in nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques, having implemented over 50 living shorelines in the Tampa Bay region.
Tom founded a non-profit in 2003, which is now known as Ecosphere Restoration Institute to advance restoration activities through innovative public-private-partnerships.
In this conversation Tom brought up that the sea level has risen about 6 inches since moving to the Tampa Bay area in the 1970’s and how this is impacting the local ecosystem. With sea level rising and the old sea walls breaking down Tom’s vision of rewilding of Florida’s landscaping is something that needs to happen throughout the area. One way you can do this is by removing old sea walls and installing an assortment of native plants that are able to withstand the changes that we are seeing is vital to the success if we want to be able to preserve the qualities that brought so many of us to Florida in the first place. Not only do they add beauty, but they are longer lasting and more environmentally friendly.
Tom mentions that Florida has more natural springs than any other state. Most of which are on private land, or were redirected when developers decided to develop the land. The local non-profits are creating an ecosystem alliance to connect so they are all able to work together.
If you have a shoreline or spring that you are interested in restoring, Ecosphererestoration.org can assist you with this. Tom mentioned Public Private Partnerships, which is using public dollars to restore private land, because as Tom says “The birds don’t care who owns the property” they just want it to be there, and be clean.
Listen to this episode here on www.wmnf.org and please donate to the Sustainable Living Show on 88.5 WMNF Tampa.
The post Shoreline and Spring restoration with Tom Ries appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
©2024 The News Service of Florida
Owners of three farms have signed deals with the state, totaling nearly $9 million, to restrict future residential and commercial development, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Monday.
The deals involve the state purchasing conservation easements, which allow landowners to continue using their land for such things as farming while agreeing not to develop the property.
The purchases, made through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, are for easements on the 707-acre K-Rocker Ranch in Polk County, at a cost of $3.2 million; the 998-acre Los Niños Farm in Putnam County, at a cost of $1.798 million; and the 525-acre Kuder Ranch in Polk County, at a cost of $3.9 million.
“With the preservation of these three ranches and their over 2,200 acres of productive agricultural land, in addition to the more than 36,000 acres we’ve permanently preserved in the last year, we are working to protect Florida’s valuable agricultural lands as efficiently and effectively as possible – and before it’s too late,” Simpson said in a prepared statement.
A 2023 law allows the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to acquire conservation easements under $5 million without having to get approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet.
The deals announced Monday followed similar agreements in late January involving a 550-acre dairy operation in Gilchrist County, a 245-acre timber farm in Baker County and a 1,600-acre cattle ranch in Highlands County that had a combined cost of just over $7.3 million.
In December, the department published a list of nearly 260 farms, ranches and forests whose owners are seeking to be considered for easement purchases.
But funding for the program will be an issue as lawmakers negotiate a new budget in the coming weeks.
A fiscal year 2024-2025 budget proposed by the Senate includes $300 million for easements and agreements, while a House proposal is at $33 million.
The post Florida reaches rural land deals to protect agricultural lands in Polk and Putnam Counties appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
West Tampa’s roots go all the way back to 1892, but 132 years after Hugh MacFarlane started building his vision on 200 acres of swampy land, the neighborhood is at a crossroads.
In a new column, former Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena notes that West Tampa is rich in texture and history—but that development pressures are squeezing it.
“Trees have been uprooted to make room for townhomes designed with little regard for the character of the neighborhood’s signature casitas. The rhythm of the street has been disrupted by garages and a pervasive shade of beige,” she wrote.
Saul-Sena joined WMNF to talk about West Tampa.
On the second half of the show, we talk with former Tampa Bay Times editor Tom Scherberger along with past Times reporter/bureau chief (and current communications director for the paper), Sherri Day, who discussed the recent closure of the Times’ downtown Tampa office.
Download audio from the show via wmnf.org. Listen via podcast services like Apple Music, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
The post Former Tampa City Councilwoman says rapid development has put West Tampa’s spirit on the line appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The_Scoop_230907.mp3Lakewood Ranch legal battleA couple is fighting a plan for thousands of new homes to be built as part of an expansion of Lakewood Ranch near their rural neighborhood in Sarasota County. They have taken legal action and are awaiting a decision from the courts.
Hurricane LeeHurricane Lee is whirling through open waters as forecasters warn it could develop into an “extremely dangerous” major hurricane by early tomorrow and become the first Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic season. Lee’s projected path takes it near the northeast Caribbean, not making landfall.
U.S. Open players battle heatThe heat and humidity are so bad in New York this week that a tennis pro warned that a player could die during the U.S. Open tournament. The tournament continues today.
Abortion decriminalizedMexico’s Supreme Court has thrown out all federal criminal penalties for abortion. The high court ordered that abortion be removed from the federal penal code as that violates women’s rights. The federal public health service and all federal health institutions must offer abortion to anyone who requests it.
New Rolling Stones albumThe Rolling Stones are back! The band is releasing “Hackney Diamonds” on October 20th, its first album of new songs in 18 years. The record features guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. It also features Charlie Watts, the stalwart Stones drummer of almost six decades.
Freddie Mercury’s auctionThe interest in a Sotheby’s auction of Freddie Mercury’s personal belongings is so intense that even the “cheap” stuff is selling for much more than estimated. The snake bangle Mercury wore in the Bohemian Rhapsody video marks a new record for the highest price paid for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star.
Information from the Florida Public Media, News Service of Florida, and Associated Press was used in this report.
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The_Scoop_230907.mp3The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF SUBSCRIBE!
The Scoop producer Corey Beltran
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Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy, Justin Seecharan, Novia Levy, Camilla Carrero, Kayla Allen
Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
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The post The Scoop: Thurs., September 7, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF.
Listen: A couple is fighting a plan for thousands of new homes near their rural northeastern Sarasota County neighborhood. WMNF’s Chris Young reports that the couple has taken legal action and is awaiting a decision from the courts. Michael Hutchinson lives in northeastern Sarasota County. His calm, rural neighborhood has horses, very little traffic, and... Read more »
The post Sarasota couple fights to protect rural neighborhood from nearby development appeared first on WMNF.
Just hours before the Tampa City Council was set to vote on Mayor Jane Castor’s proposed budget and property tax increase, one of its members explained on WMNF WaveMakers why he is adamantly opposed.
Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson said Castor has not been transparent on how the increased revenue would be spent, citing as an example the 30 new police and 30 new firefighters Castor says could be hired if the tax is approved yet is not included in the budget. It’s not included, the mayor’s staff has said, because it depends on grants. No grants, no extra police and firefighters. Even the city’s budget for filling potholes and repaving streets would not increase, Carlson said.
Last month Castor proposed a $1.9 billion budget that would raise the property tax rate a full millage point, or 16%, to about $7.21 from $6.21 for every $1,000 in assessed value. Six years ago, Mayor Bob Buckhorn proposed a 1-mil increase but the City Council cut it in half.
If the tax is not approved, the city would still have an extra $35 million next year, a 12 percent increase, because of the property tax base has grown so much from new construction. “A lot of money is trapped in the CRA’s,” or community redevelopment districts, Carlson said. Those are blighted areas where increased property tax revenue can only be spent in those districts, not the rest of the city. About $9 million in additional revenue could be spent citywide if the downtown and Channel District CRAs alone was capped. Carlson does not support capping six other CRA’s.
“One of the biggest questions that people ask is why is it with all the new construction…why is it the city can’t balance its budget,” Carlson said. “We should be able to balance our budget without a historic increase.”
Carlson also pointed to what he called financial mismanagement by the Castor administration, particularly a municipal annex in East Tampa with a price tag that frew from $10 million to $108 million, and a recreation center that has gone from $18 million to $23 million.
Capping spending in the downtown and Channel District community redevelopment areas could redirect millions of dollars into the general fund, Carlson pointed out. The rest of the city needs the money more than those two booming neighborhoods, he said.
The City Council holds a public hearing at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 and will then vote on the budget and the proposed tax hike.
Hear the entire conversation by clicking the link below, going to the WaveMakers archives or by searching for WMNF WaveMakers wherever you listen to podcasts.
https://sound.wmnf.org/sound/wmnf_230905_110600_wvm1_461.MP3The post Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson on why he opposes Mayor Jane Castor’s tax hike appeared first on WMNF.
In a major deal in Florida’s grocery industry, Aldi announced Wednesday it is buying Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket.
The post Aldi will buy Winn-Dixie and Harveys appeared first on WMNF.
Proposed property tax hike As the Tampa City Council considers a property tax increase to address a host of problems to fix, the City of Tampa held a budget workshop. Affordable housing and renters concerns were at the core of the meeting. City Departments made cases for why the property tax increase will help with... Read more »
The post The Scoop: Tues., August 15, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF.
Listen: Recent laws in Florida that some call hostile towards minorities have caused many organizations to cancel conventions in the state. However, the Tampa Convention Center has seen its busiest summer yet. In nearby Orlando, Governor DeSantis’s policies caused cancellations of several major events. National Society of Black Engineers and Alpha Phi Alpha, the nation’s... Read more »
The post Tampa Convention Center sees busiest summer yet despite controversial Florida laws driving event cancellations appeared first on WMNF.
Heatwave sets records in Florida From the Panhandle to the Keys, temperature records were either matched or set yesterday afternoon. We’ll chase records again today across the state. Federal employees feel disgraced On a trip to New Hampshire last week, Ron DeSantis stated that if elected president, when it comes to federal employees, “we... Read more »
The post The Scoop: Wed., August 9, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF.
Wakulla Springs hearing flooded with residents Wakulla Commissioners are pushing back a rezoning hearing to decide the fate of a controversial gas station project near Wakulla Springs to be heard. Public comment concerning the threat the gas station could pose to the county’s drinking water, and to the springs, was put into recess and the... Read more »
The post The Scoop: Tues., August 8, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF.
Opponents of a proposed gas station near Wakulla Springs say they’re unfazed by a new state law designed to limit lawsuits over comprehensive plan changes.
The post Foes say new Florida law limiting comp plan lawsuits won’t stop their fight to save springs appeared first on WMNF.
How to represent yourself in federal civil courts as a Prose.
The post Episode 18: Andrea Debose a Prose in the Tampa Federal Court System and Won. However, experiencing unnatural delay. appeared first on WMNF.
More than 180 landowners have applied to a state-funded program designed to keep swaths of rural Florida from development.
The post Florida rural land conservation program draws applicants appeared first on WMNF.
Three Tampa Bay Tech alumni are planning to build a new affordable housing development in partnership with the City of Tampa. Their company was selected for a $3 million state grant to help fund a 10-unit project just north of Ybor City. The development will be will only be for households earning 50 to 80%... Read more »
The post Local Black-owned business awarded $3 million for Ybor housing development appeared first on WMNF.
Kicking off the first day of summer, the City of St. Petersburg held a public meeting last night to show off plans and get input on how to grow the increasingly busy Sunrunner bus line. Planners say connecting the busy downtown urban center to the popular gulf coast beachfronts while providing housing and employment opportunities... Read more »
The post City of St. Petersburg seeks public input on development around SunRunner stops appeared first on WMNF.
Yesterday community organizers in St. Petersburg gathered to celebrate Juneteenth coming up on Monday, which was made a federal holiday two years ago to celebrate the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Event organizers and residents say the City of St. Petersburg already broke promises to create jobs and housing in the historically Black... Read more »
The post Activists at Juneteenth rally demand St. Pete keeps promises to the Black community. appeared first on WMNF.
Episode 15, May 30, 2023: Code Enforcement Undergirds Black Reparations-Mentesnot
Local code enforcement offers a convincing debate for Black people’s Reparations.
Mentesnot an established longtime citizen of Hillsborough County and property owner continues to fight to remove fines that have been excessive code enforcement aligns with governmental institutions to target specific groups that do not have the finances to pay or obtain a legal defense. The efforts to commandeer land in Black communities is a nationwide problem in the form of gentrification. Over the last 30 years, Black Americans have been demanding Reparations.
pro
The post Episode 15, May 30, 2023: Code Enforcement Undergirds Black Reparations-Mentesnot appeared first on WMNF.
The Florida budget helps speed 20 highway projects; part of a road in Hernando County will be named for Rush Limbaugh.
The post UPDATE: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a law that renames a Hernando County road for Rush Limbaugh appeared first on WMNF.
A wide-ranging discussion about economic justice, the inequality resulting from the closing and repurposing of Just Elementary School serving predominantly Black communities. Neo-colonialism and the Black petis bourgeois who imitate white racist policies to the detriment of the community. Black conservatives disparaged the call for a travel advisory against Florida in defense of black business profits.
The Sunday Forum urged Justice for Just Elementary School as a pivotal fight for equality.
Race and Black grievance in the U.S. is a major backdrop to the discussion. Ideas for providing jobs and community empowerment in poor, Black communities and ideas to help ease homelessness were discussed.
Hillsborough County School Board closed a school serving predominantly Black children. Board member, Stacy Hahn, reportedly said Just Elementary was “out of second chances.”
The post Justice and Equity appeared first on WMNF.
Ybor City is in yet another season of change, and Tampa developer Darryl Shaw is on the forefront of headlines surrounding the transition. He—along with public historian and club owner Tom DeGeorge—join us on air to discuss. Listen to the show via wmnf.org.
The post Tampa’s Darryl Shaw, Manny Leto and Tom DeGeorge discuss latest changes in Ybor City appeared first on WMNF.
Life Malcolm visits the forum for a wide-ranging discussion around local, national and international politics and policies.
Callers joined in to discuss a historical landmark, Jackson House, in Tampa and the struggle to restore it as one of Tampa’s historic buildings.
The distraction of white supremacist practices in the U.S. and abroad is discussed as continued colonialist mode of capitalist production and ownership.
The NAACP officially call for a travel advisory against Florida for authoritarian State laws.
The C.R.A. (Community Redevelopment Area) as part of the dis-empowerment in predominantly Black communities was analyzed.
More discussion about the disruptive closing of predominantly Black Just Elementary School.
The post Destructive Colonial Capitalism appeared first on WMNF.
By Jim Turner ©2023 The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — As Florida lawmakers put the finishing touches on this year’s legislative session, they approved a request from Gov. Ron DeSantis to help speed 20 highway projects across the state under the banner of “Moving Florida Forward.”
“I requested $4 billion for Moving Florida Forward so we can get ahead of some of these traffic problems,” DeSantis said Friday during a news conference after lawmakers ended the 60-day session. “Some of these items may take 20 years. I want to accelerate that to get it done much sooner. And the Legislature responded.”
When pitching the plan in January, DeSantis put forward as examples: $1.451 billion to reconstruct Interstate 4 from ChampionsGate to the Osceola Parkway in Central Florida; $479 million to add auxiliary lanes to Interstate 75 between Wildwood and Ocala; $340 million to improve the Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 interchange in Ormond Beach; $162 million to widen Interstate 10 near Pensacola; and $150 million to upgrade the Interstate 95 interchange at Golden Glades in South Florida.
The four-year plan — requiring a pair of $2 billion transfers from general revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund — also seeks to borrow an additional $3 billion for the work.
Before adjourning, lawmakers passed a $117 billion budget (SB 2500) for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which will start July 1.
In addition to the Moving Florida Forward money, other actions during the session that will affect how Floridians get around include:
— Lawmakers approved $13.6 billion for the Department of Transportation’s five-year work program, which lists projects throughout the state. That would be up from $12.6 billion in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
— Lawmakers approved $200 million to expand the SunTrail Network within a statewide wildlife corridor (SB 106). DeSantis has already signed the legislation.
— Lawmakers approved $150.5 million for such things as seaport grants and projects.
— Lawmakers approved $100,000 for a marketing campaign to highlight “the rewarding career paths in the road and bridge construction industry.”
— Lawmakers approved a bill (HB 425) that would expand the state’s “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists, where possible, to move over for first responders, sanitation trucks, utility trucks and wreckers on the roadside. The bill would apply the requirement to moving over for broken-down vehicles.
The budget also includes money for numerous local transportation projects, including in areas that sustained damage in Hurricane Ian. Example of the local projects:
— $51.67 million for Sanibel Causeway corridor repairs in Lee County, where Ian made initial landfall.
— $12.4 million for repairs in the Matlacha corridor in Lee County.
— $6 million for studies on the Big Hickory Pass, Little Carlos Pass and New Pass bridges in Lee County.
— $5 million for a Moffitt Cancer Center Life Sciences Campus road in Pasco County.
— $4.5 million to extend the runway and taxiway at Wauchula Municipal Airport.
— $1 million for U.S. 1 interchange improvements at County Road 210 in St. Johns County.
Lawmakers also approved a series of road designations (HB 21). They included:
— Designating the bridge on State Road 3 over the Canaveral Barge Canal in Brevard County for Christa McAuliffe, the New Hampshire teacher killed in 1986 on the space shuttle Challenger.
— Designating the new NASA Causeway Bridge on State Road 405 over the Indian River in Brevard County for astronaut Sally Ride.
— Designating a stretch of Cortez Boulevard in Hernando County for the late conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.
The post A Hernando County road will be named for Rush Limbaugh as Florida lawmakers green-light billions of dollars for road projects appeared first on WMNF.
Amid objections from environmental groups, the Florida House on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would lead to people facing additional legal costs if they unsuccessfully challenge changes to comprehensive growth-management plans.
The House voted 87-30 to pass the bill (SB 540), which the Senate approved last month.
It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The bill would allow “prevailing” parties to recover legal fees in comprehensive-plan challenges at the state Division of Administrative Hearings.
Opponents argue that the threat of facing hefty legal costs would dissuade environmental groups and other people from challenging comprehensive-plan changes.
Opponents call it the “sprawl bill” because it could lead to the expansion of development.
The group 1000 Friends of Florida on Tuesday immediately urged DeSantis to veto the bill.
“SB 540 would threaten ordinary Floridians with financial ruin for exercising their right to legally challenge amendments that conflict with their communities’ comprehensive plans — their blueprints for sustainable growth,” 1000 Friends of Florida said in an email.
Bill supporters have said local governments hold numerous public hearings before comprehensive-plan changes are approved, giving people an opportunity to have input.
©2023 The News Service of Florida
The post Florida Legislature makes it more difficult for residents to challenge comp plan changes; environmentalists call it a “sprawl bill” appeared first on WMNF.
- Episode 2, 11/14/2022, What is Web 3?
The vision for this new, blockchain-based web includes cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DAOs, decentralized finance, and more.
The post Episode 2, 11/14/2022, What is Web 3? The vision for this new, blockchain-based web includes cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DAOs, decentralized finance, and more. appeared first on WMNF.
The Florida Senate on Wednesday night voted 27-13 to approve a proposal intended to nullify development agreements involving the Walt Disney Co., hours after the entertainment giant filed a federal lawsuit against the state.
The bill (SB 1604), which will go to the House, would in part override agreements that Disney reached with outgoing board members of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Bill sponsor Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, declined to directly address some parts of the bill because of the newly filed lawsuit.
Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, joined Democrats in opposing the bill. Democrats argued the bill should be “paused” until the lawsuit is settled.
“We keep passing laws, even though we’re in the middle of lawsuits, on top of lawsuit on top of lawsuit,” Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, said. “This just isn’t the right way to govern.”
Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, said legislation targeting single companies is something that “happens in Venezuela, in Cuba, in China.”
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Tallahassee, alleged that DeSantis and other officials improperly retaliated against Disney because of the company’s opposition to a controversial 2022 law that restricts instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
The lawsuit said the retaliation threatens the company’s “business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region and violates its constitutional rights.”
Under Ingoglia’s bill, special districts would be prohibited from complying with development agreements executed three months or less before new laws take effect that change how district board members are selected.
The amendment also would give new boards four months to review any development agreements and decide if they should be re-adopted. In February, lawmakers passed a DeSantis-backed bill that shifted control of the Reedy Creek district away from Disney and allowed the governor to appoint a five-member Board of Supervisors for the district.
The bill also renamed the district as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. After being seated, new board members realized the former Reedy Creek board during publicly advertised meetings had turned over most of its powers to Disney through agreements.
Disney had effectively controlled the Reedy Creek district, which gave it power over issues such as land use, fire protection and sewer services that are typically handled by local governments.
©2023 The News Service of Florida
The post Florida Senate backs nullifying Disney agreements on development appeared first on WMNF.
With Senate sponsor Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, pointing to a need for “skin in the game,” the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would lead to people facing additional legal costs if they unsuccessfully challenge changes to comprehensive growth-management plans.
The bill (SB 540) is now positioned to go to the full Senate.
A House version (HB 359) is ready to be heard by the full House.
The bills would allow “prevailing” parties to recover legal fees in comprehensive-plan challenges at the state Division of Administrative Hearings.
Opponents argue that the threat of facing hefty legal costs would dissuade environmental groups and other people from challenging comprehensive-plan changes.
But DiCeglie said Tuesday local governments hold numerous public hearings before changes are approved.
“There are multiple opportunities for the public to voice their either support or not support for any of these comprehensive plans or the amendments,” he said.
©2023 The News Service of Florida
The post Florida Senators support additional costs for unsuccessful challenges to growth management appeared first on WMNF.
Dr. Sonja Brookins comes to the Sunday Forum to discuss the issues in the run-up to the run-off elections. Local control, affordable housing, neighborhood empowerment and development were all on topic.
The post local Run-off Election Candidate at The Forum appeared first on WMNF.
Nicole Payne is a candidate for Tampa city council elections and joins the forum discussing housing affordability and ‘Souls To The Polls’. “Eracism” is charged against the powers that be regarding development over black cemeteries forgotten to time and continued erasure of Black History. Noreen Copeland-Miller and Eileen Henderson talk about the “Save Memorial Park” project.
The post Living Just Enough For The City appeared first on WMNF.
Valentine’s day is widely known as a collective day to express extra love and affection to our loved ones. However, there are some who believe that you don’t need a specific day to do this. In fact no matter how many flowers, candy or gifts you may give to your loved ones, it doesn’t mean your relationship is healthy and neither does it mean that it will flourish.Despite the star-crossed lovers who cling for opportunities to express their affection on Valentines Day, there are those who have no interest in being struck or grazed by Cupid’s arrow, opting for solitude instead. According to an article posted on www.census.gov, in September of 2022, nearly 50% of U.S. adults are single. Additionally, 35%-50% first time marriages in the United States will end in divorce. Of the many reasons people have given for divorcing is “Losing themselves in a marriage”.Eckhart Tolle said it best: “When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world.” Many Mental Health Coach and relationship experts will agree that one of the best ways to not lose touch with oneself is by practicing self-love. It’s also a known fact that hurt people hurt other people which therefore supports the need and importance of learning to love ourselves first so that we can become the best version of ourselves in order to more effectively love others.Join me, Renna Reddick Friday from 4 to 6 a.m. for a special musical journey about this topic! I am definitely looking forward to spending time with you on the airwaves and sharing your energy!!!www.yourmorningenergy.com
Twitter is @yourmrngenergy
https://www.instagram.com/yourmorningenergy/The post “The Importance of Self-Love” on Morning Energy appeared first on WMNF.
The No Roads to Ruin Coalition was successful in stopping the expansion of toll highways through rural Florida. For now.
The post Coalition celebrates FDOT’s pausing of a possible Florida Turnpike extension appeared first on WMNF.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch speaks with WMNF about what to expect from the redevelopment of the Gas Plant District.
The post St. Pete mayor on the redevelopment of the Gas Plant District and the possibility of keeping the Rays appeared first on WMNF.
By a 4-1 vote, the Polk County Commission rejected a plan to build 894 single-family homes in a rural area north of State Road 60.
The post The Polk County Commission rejects a proposed development appeared first on WMNF.
Lately, there’s been a conflict between Republicans in Florida, including Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Walt Disney Company.
The post DeSantis threatens to revoke special rules for Disney. Where did those exceptions come from? appeared first on WMNF.
Residents in Northern Pasco County are trying to protect the rural aspect of their region. In part, that means trying to stop an RV resort near I-75 in the county's rural zone.
The post Pasco residents oppose RV park in a rural part of the county appeared first on WMNF.
With the Tampa Bay region facing the highest rent increases in the nation at a rate of 24%, the housing crisis has grown dire. In response, six months ago Nathan Hagen launched YIMBY Tampa, a local chapter of a national movement, to press for change, both short-term and long-term. Among other things, YIMBY Tampa, the... Read more »
The post WaveMakers: Nathan Hagen on the housing crisis appeared first on WMNF.
St. Petersburg’s affordable housing crisis was examined by Harvard University students. The study released this month reviewed solutions.
The post Study on St. Petersburg’s affordable housing crisis appeared first on WMNF.
A university committee has written its recommendations for the USF Forest Preserve and an adjacent golf course north of the Tampa campus.
The post University advisory committee recommends management for USF Forest Preserve; is it enough protection? appeared first on WMNF.
In 2021, the University of South Florida asked for & received proposals to develop land in the USF Forest Preserve north of the Tampa campus.
The post What’s next for the USF Forest Preserve? appeared first on WMNF.
On Wednesday Tampa-area Congress member Kathy Castor told the hosts of WMNF's MidPoint, Shelley Rebach and Janet Scherberger, that she opposes development on the USF Forest Preserve.
The post U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor opposes development in USF Forest Preserve appeared first on WMNF.
The Tarpon Springs City Commission voted Friday to move forward with a planned residential community on 74 acres near the Anclote River. Environmentalists hope the land, which they once blocked Walmart from building on, can still be saved. LISTEN: One month to the day after the city started the quasi-judicial hearing process, commissioners voted 3-1... Read more »
The post Tarpon Springs moves forward with developing land along Anclote River, environmentalists not deterred appeared first on WMNF.
Roads. Where the proposed Anclote Harbor residential community is going, it might need roads. LISTEN: The Tarpon Springs City Commission again postponed a vote to rezone 74-acres of land along the Anclote River after more than eight hours of public hearing. Traffic safety and environmental factors have emerged as concerns. Developer the Morgan Group and... Read more »
The post Development on 74-acres of land along Anclote River could come down to roads appeared first on WMNF.
The state is considering building three major toll highways through rural parts of West Florida. The projects are part of what are called M-CORES and the draft final reports were recently released. The state DOT is taking public comment until Wednesday and has three days of online and in-person meetings in Tampa beginning October 19.
For more on M-CORES and these proposed toll highways, WMNF spoke with Lindsay Cross, she’s government relations director with Florida Conservation Voters.
“M-CORES which stands for the multi-use corridors of regional and economic significance is a massive infrastructure project that’s been going on for a little over a year.
“It first came to being through a piece of legislation in 2019 which was Senate Bill 7068, which was voted on. It was a very rushed bill that went through at the end of session. The governor signed it into law in May of 2019 and it started a very aggressive, approximately 15-month process to evaluate the need and the potential impacts of building up to 330 new miles of toll roads throughout our state … some of them in our most natural and rural communities.
“So it’s something that organizations and businesses and really Floridians across the state have been concerned about since they learned about this legislation last year.
“DOT [Florida Department of Transportation] through its mandate in the Senate Bill has been hosting a series of task force meetings. Those task forces are made up of approximately 40 individuals representing different organizations, whether that’s special interests like the trucking industry. There’s a lot of state agencies that are represented such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and or department of education. There’s also a handful of environmental nonprofits that sit on those groups.
“They have been meeting for over a year now. The process started in August of 2019 with a joint task force meeting that was held at the Tampa Convention Center. And we are getting ready for the final round of M-CORES meeting which will be in just about 2 weeks. And DOT is again proposing to have in-person meetings in Tampa as the final round which would be number nine for the task force meetings.
“Throughout this process, the task force members have been tasked — first of all — with evaluating the need for these roads. Which is something they have not been able to do because there is not a need for all of this asphalt and the associated development that will come with it. The task force has been required to help develop some guiding principles that will guide the way this road planning process goes forward.
“And DOT has been collating those comments and that input and now are at the process where they have a draft final report for each of the three task forces.
“So for those who are not familiar with kind of the location of these, there’s three different corridors that are under study, under review essentially, in the Southern part of the state. There’s one called the Southwest Central Connector which goes from Collier up to Polk County, so that’s an eight-county area.
“There’s one which is the SunCoast Connector which goes from Citrus County up to Jefferson County and could eventually go up into the Georgia border. That one is a seven-county area.
“And then a small piece in between is called the Northern Turnpike Connector and that’s a 4 county area which is meant to connect our existing Florida Turnpike with the SunCoast Parkway which is the toll road in Citrus County right now.
“So there are draft reports for each three of the task forces that DOT (Department of Transportation) published on their website on September 29th. It triggered a 15-day public comment period which will end on October 14th. So that means for members of the public who are interested and concerned about this process, we really only have about a week left to comment on those reports which are about 40 pages each.”
Listen to the full show here.
Watch this interview:
The post Florida wants feedback on M-CORES proposed toll highways appeared first on WMNF.
Last week the Hillsborough County Commission voted 6-to-1 to raise park and mobility impact fees on new construction beginning in January.
Commissioner Mariella Smith voted for the impact fees.
“All the commissioners, almost all the commissioners, campaigned on the promise to make development pay its fair share of infrastructure and impact fees are the way we do that.
“We charge developers a fee for every house or commercial development they build that goes to pay for just the capital costs of the infrastructure needed to support that development. That includes schools, fire and police and sheriff’s as well as transportation infrastructure, water and sewer and parks. Some communities charge other impact fees as well for other pieces of the infrastructure. But that’s our Hillsborough County ones.”
What’s been the history of how the impact fees have increased over the years. I take it that it’s been a long time since there’s been a major increase.
“It has. In fact the parks impact fees had not been increased since 1985. So 25 years. They were calculated in 1985 dollars and a lot has changed since then.
“School impact fees were also woefully behind. The transportation impact fees were adjusted in 2016, but costs have risen dramatically for building roads or providing transit since then. And in 2016 they were set very low and included a schedule of phasing them in.
“So even in 2016 in a booming economy, booming building time, that board of county commissioners, before I got there, did not approve the impact fees at the whole 100 percent , but only phased them. By 2019 we were just asking them to pay 80 percent of the costs that were determined back in 2016. So, still very, very low.”
What will the fees be used for?
“Mobility fees can be used for roads as well as transit. But any kind of transportation improvements. As I said, impact fees can only be used for capital costs. The school impact fees can only be used for building new schools. And they can only be used to serve the area where the development is occurring. There are some state regulations on them. Where we collect them, they have to be provided there, so that it’s truly the impact of that development that that development is paying.”
Some developers have decided they want to form PACs or something to fight against some of the commissioners who voted to put the impact fees on. What’s your reaction to their response to the impact fee increase?
“They’re just looking at this as business people and the cost of doing business. They just don’t want to pay. They never want to pay.
“One of my earliest experiences as a community activist 20 years ago was going to the county commission as a citizen in Ruskin and asking them not to create impact-fee-free zones in my area of South County where building was beginning to really boom and the first housing boom was really taking off here. And yet developers were lobbying to pay no impact fees for it.
“It’s just a constant pressure that they always are pressing to lower their costs. But then if they don’t pay — it’s important to keep in mind — if the developers don’t pay the costs, then either the taxpayers are stuck with the bill and we have to pay, or what has happened a lot is, nobody pays because the county budget doesn’t have the money to provide it all.
“And so then that’s how we end up in severe gridlock, overcrowded schools, overcrowded roads. In South County the water system is so stressed because we haven’t been keeping up with costs of that infrastructure, that people are actually suffering with lower water pressure in their faucets because we haven’t kept up with that infrastructure and developers haven’t been paying their fair share.”
Listen:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ImpactFeesSmithFull.mp3
Smith says before the impact fee increase, county taxpayers lose $13,000 for each newly built house.
She says the last impact fee that still needs to be increased – water – will be considered on June 17.
Watch much more of this interview here: Listen to the 5:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 28 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean530Thurs0528.mp3
Listen to the 4:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 28 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean430Thurs0528.mp3
Listen to the 3:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 28 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean330Thurs0528.mp3
The post Here’s what higher impact fees mean for Hillsborough County appeared first on WMNF.
This week the Florida Department of Transportation is hosting online meetings to discuss three proposed toll highways through rural parts of the state.
But several environmental groups oppose what’s called M-CORES. They want the whole plan scrapped.
Julianne Thomas is a senior environmental planning specialist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
“M-CORES stands for Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance. They were created through a bill in 2019 for three different highways. One that goes from Polk County to Collier County, which we call Southwest Central. Another one called the Suncoast Connector which goes through Marion and Citrus County and then there’s one that goes from Citrus County up to the Georgia state line called the Northern Connector.
“Because of the location of our organization, we mostly focus on the Southwest Central connector. But I am aware of all three. I am part of an organization called No Roads to Ruin, which is a coalition of organizations, which are fighting to stop these tolls roads.”
Listen:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ThomasMCOREScut.mp3
Thomas says that one problem with the highways is that they would harm the Florida Panther population.
“We have so many. The main one for us for the Southwest Central corridor is the Florida panther. The Florida panther has a limited range of their primary habitat and also their adult breeding habitat. Any additional fragmentation or loss of habitat is going to be very detrimental to the survival and recovery of the Florida panther. So we are obviously extremely concerned about any additional roads, any expansion of roads in Florida panther habitat.
“We also recognize, and want to make sure everybody else recognizes, that if we truly want the Florida panther to recover, we not only need to protect the current primary zone, but we need to protect other areas that the panther can move into and live. We can’t just go around fragmenting other large habitats and other large landscapes.
“Because one of the things to understand about the Florida panther is while it is in itself an iconic species, it’s also what’s known as an umbrella species, which means that there are a lot of other endangered and listed species that use their same habitat. So if we protect the Florida panther we are also protecting more than 20 other listed and threatened species.”
Listen:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ThomasPantherCut.mp3
Thomas says the best decision would be for the Florida M-CORES toll highways not to be built at all.
“A no-build option is an option and that is what we are recommending to the task force members. We are recommending that they — that their guiding principles say that there should be a no-build option and that their principle should be to not build these roads. That is what we are recommending to the task force members.
“The way that the public can get involved is by registering for the webinars and they can do that by going to Florida M-CORES. They have a website and they can register for the webinars and they can listen in and there’s also an option for them to provide public comment if they have things they want to say.
“I also would recommend that anyone interested in learning more go to noroadstoruin.org. There’s a website for this coalition. More than 85 organizations and businesses that will give people a lot of information about this. And also other ways to get involved, other ways to contact FDOT if they want to send them an email and also task force members in their area if there are specific people that they want to be able to contact and let them know how they feel.”
Listen:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ThomasNoBuildCut.mp3
Watch much more of this interview here:
Listen to the 5:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 12 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean530Tues0512.mp3
Listen to the 4:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 12 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean430Tues0512.mp3
Listen to the 3:30 p.m. WMNF News headlines for 12 May 2020: https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sean330Tues0512.mp3
The post Online meetings this week on proposed Florida toll highways appeared first on WMNF.
Mariella Smith. By Seán Kinane, Jan. 2020.
How much development should there be in Florida, where should it occur and who should pay for the infrastructure?
On MidPoint we heard segments of a panel discussion on the topic of the politics of growth and the environment from this month at Tampa Tiger Bay Club.
There were four panelists: Democratic Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith, Realtor Andy Scaglione, ecologist Vivienne Handy, and Hillsborough School Board member Steve Cona, who is with the construction industry.
Listen to the show here.
There were two questions/responses that we didn’t get to hear on the show:
One question dealt with whether impact fees on developers were too low:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GrowthTaxes.mp3
And the head of the county’s Environmental Protection Commission, Janet Daughtery asked about requiring developers to protect wetlands and provide conservation easements:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TigerBayCut2.mp3
Watch the forum here:
Earlier in the show, we heard a comment left by a listener about the last show. On that program, we spoke with a teacher who was rallying in Tallahassee and from a Tampa woman who was visiting the U.S. / Mexico border in Texas to be a witness to the conditions faced by migrants and refugee seekers.
The post Should development pay for itself? A forum on the politics of growth in Florida appeared first on WMNF.
Critics of three proposed toll roads through rural Florida are combining their efforts to fight back against the highways.
Cris Costello, organizing manager for the Sierra Club, says the task forces put together to give the state input on the proposed roads are a “sham.”
“When Senate Bill 7068 was racing through both chambers of the state Legislature and was being considered – and ultimately signed – by the governor, we already knew that the [M-CORES] task force process that was set up by that bill – and the subsequent statute – was just a rubber-stamp process.
“It was not a process that would actually look at need or efficiency or impact from the toll roads. But would rather just give a big, fat, very costly, very expensive rubber stamp to the ill-conceived idea.
“It has since become very, very apparent that what we thought was the case during the Legislative session is certainly the case – and even worse than we could have imagined.
“There are a number of aspects of the task force process that illustrate this. One is that the task forces – all three – are being prohibited from talking about a no-build option. They are not allowed to look into actual need for these new toll roads.
“They’re not able to talk about alternatives to these new toll roads, but are being required – through the facilitated process – to come up with guiding principles and ways to mitigate for impacts. But not to decide that these things aren’t required, aren’t needed, are unwanted. They are not being given that chance.
“They have been told that the Florida Department of Transportation will consider the no-build option during a subsequent process. But that that is not the job of the task force.
“The task force members have also been told – and it’s been made very clear to the public – that the members of each task force have no say in the actual routes that are proposed that will be given to FDOT.”
Listen:
https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MCORESoppositionFull.mp3
The post Critics of “sham” toll roads through rural Florida form a coalition to fight them appeared first on WMNF.