Senate approves plan to fix Lake Okeechobee, end algae invasions
“Senate President Jo Negron’s $1.5 billion plan to fix Lake Okeechobee, and stop overflows of toxic “guacamole water” into the state’s rivers and streams, passed the Senate Wednesday on a vote of 36-3. Last June’s…
‘A Government-Sponsored Disaster’: Florida Asks For Federal Help With Toxic Algae
“About a hundred miles north of Miami on the Atlantic Coast, the town of Stuart is a picturesque waterfront community — with homes, restaurants and parks overlooking the St. Lucie Estuary. But in many areas…
Treasure Coast algae bloom: Environmentalists call for land seizure
“As toxic algae blooms inundate residential waterways in South Florida, environmentalists are calling on state leaders to address the crisis by seizing land owned by the politically well-connected sugar industry. Lake Okeechobee pollution running off…
Residents once uprooted upset about Trop talk
“As the City of St. Petersburg and the owners of the Tampa Bay Rays argue over who will get to keep more millions when the team eventually leaves there is, perhaps understandably, resentment among those…
Floridians forced to sell their homes at huge losses
“Under a Florida law, companies that own more than 80 percent of condo units in one building can terminate a condo complex under certain conditions and turn it into apartments for rent. The companies have…
A primer for the Bert Harris Jr. Property Rights Act
“History The Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act was passed by the Florida Legislature in 1995. It provides a means for a civil action against a local government if a private property…
Manatee attorney advises no concessions on Long Bar settlement offer
“The Manatee County Attorney’s Office is expected to recommend Tuesday for the Manatee County Commission to stand by its decision last year involving development plans at Long Bar Pointe. County attorneys are advocating a written…
Eminent domain for All Aboard Florida trains?
“ll Aboard Florida (AAF) wants to start train service from Miami to Orlando in early 2017, but they may end up needing help from the government to get there. AAF President Mike Reininger met with…
Perimeter road parcels in litigation
“The perimeter road project plans may be close to completion, but there are several landowners in the proposed road’s path that believe that their parcels are worth more than the county has appraised them for….
Research reveals property owners along proposed route
“Government construction, whether of roads or buildings, has some kind of economic impact on property owners and businesses in the affected area. New buildings, like a new judicial center, can draw more traffic, and so…