A few weeks ago, Gov. Crist signed SB 360, a horrendous bill that significantly weakened Florida's growth management laws, inviting more urban sprawl in rural areas. Environmental groups, and Progress Florida, vehemently fought SB 360 for this reason. For more info, watch this great YouTube video:



We unfortunately lost that battle, but in the wider war against wasteful and destructive low-density urban sprawl, who is really going to win? That question has not been answered yet. While it seems that big developers won the day, they might have just shot themselves in the foot at the same time. You see, as the title of this blog post suggests, every time big developers and their allies in the Florida Chamber of Commerce push through another short-sighted bill that extends the already hated status quo, the more support builds for solutions like the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment. Some folks consider Hometown Democracy a very radical solution, taking land-use decisions away from county commissions and instead turning them into public referendums. This would undoubtedly slow down the rate at which farms are gobbled up and turned into golf courses and gated communities. Many Floridians think this would be a good thing, but developers obviously view it as a terrifying prospect.

When SB 360 passed, I heard the same refrain from several unconnected individuals - that this will make it easier for Hometown Democracy to pass. I think they're right. The passage of SB 360 will only harden local resistance to sprawl, and the seemingly impossible notion of attaining real growth management regulations from the state will only drive more moderate environmentalists and Floridians into the arms of Hometown Democracy.

I actually consider myself among the latter group. I have my qualms with Hometown Democracy, mainly because I think sprawl can be stopped and new urbanism promoted through stronger and more consistent community organizing at the county level (something that really doesn't exist right now throughout Florida.) However, I know that for the sake of our state's future, sprawl has to be stopped in the next few years. I'm willing to embrace Hometown Democracy if the developers, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Builders Associations keep pushing for the kind of nonsense "solutions" like SB 360 that merely advance their bottom line at the expense of everyone else.

Should Hometown Democracy make it onto the ballot (an increasingly likely prospect) and pass the necessary 60% mark, it will be due both to the hard work of the Hometown Democracy movement, and the developers' own short-sightedness and utter greed.

General Revenue, Affordable Housing and Lake Okeechobee Clean Up Also Win

CS/CS/CS/SB 2430 and 1960 by Senator Al Lawson and Dan Gelber as amended by Senators Cary Baker close a state tax law loophole to allow collection of documentary taxes that are being avoided on certain real estate sales. The law could generate more than $46 million in state revenue currently being lost to through the tax loophole.   Read More »

Dear Governor Crist:
We -- 120 member organizations of the Florida Forever Coalition -- extend our great appreciation for the outstanding leadership that you have demonstrated recently. We embrace enthusiastically the vision for a sustainable Florida that is evident in your restoration of full Florida Forever land protection funding for the current year.   Read More »

To supporters of Florida Forever:

Today the State Legislature is poised to make severe reductions in Florida Forever - 80-90% of this year's land buying funds will be eliminated. After final approval by the Legislature, the bill will then go to Governor Crist for his signature.   Read More »

The Florida Forever Coalition is continuing its work in Tallahassee to ensure the survival and success of Florida Forever. Thanks to commentators who have reacted in support of Florida Forever in the light of possible suspension of funding for the program:

$20 Million Or Your Future: Ray Seaman (Progress Florida)

Florida is Over: Ron Littlepage (Florida Times-Union)

Please let us know if you hear other voices of support, or share your support here to help us continue to make the case for this critical program.

As discussed on the December 16 Coalition call, a number of legislators will be having hearings and meetings with county delegations throughout the state. Please click on "Read More" to see the dates which we know about, and please make every effort to attend in support of Florida Forever funding.

If you have additional information about dates or agenda request deadlines, please submit them in the comments.   Read More »

November 24, 2008
Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor
State Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Governor Crist:

You have been a strong supporter of the Florida Forever program, and the Florida Forever Coalition applauds your leadership, most notably the signing of the historic reauthorization of Florida Forever (SB 542) earlier this year. This was a great achievement for the people of Florida.

Today we stand at a critical juncture. In the next few months our state will decide whether to continue Florida's outstanding tradition of land preservation.
The Florida Forever Coalition respectfully urges you to recommend full funding for Florida Forever in your FY 2009-2010 Budget.   Read More »