Protecting Wetlands Is For Sissies

Not even the Florida Legislature had the stomach this year to pass a pro-developer bill that would have wiped out local wetland protection in Florida.

But the Hillsborough County Commission has no such reservations. On Thursday, the commission voted 4-3 to disband the wetlands management division of the county's Environmental Protection Commission.

The four who voted to do it were Brian Blair, Ken Hagan, Jim Norman and Kevin White. The three dissenters were Rose Ferlita, Al Higginbotham and Mark Sharpe. There still has to be a public hearing before the decision becomes permanent.

As my colleague Michael Van Sickler reports, three of the prevailing commissioners argued the need for budget cuts. But that's a thin pretext, since the environmental commission had already come up with the necessary cuts.

The real reason, of course, is that developers don't like having county-level rules that are more strict than the state's. One developer in particular has been running an anti-EPC campaign that now seems to be bearing fruit.

Blair didn't hide behind budget cuts but revealed the real math at work: "You know who pays for that? It's every person sitting here, every person that builds a house or moves into a house." Which is perfectly true, and part of the choice we have chosen to make -- a choice that Hillsborough County now seems willing to undo.

The whole thing is weird and backward for a county of 1-million people in the year 2007. The back-to-the-1950s yahoos are winning -- and Hillsborough County now is reaping the awful consequences of electing this bunch.

For a great look at wetlands protection (or the lack thereof) in our state, and why Hillsborough has had among the best protection in Florida, check out the St. Petersburg Times' reporting by my colleagues Craig Pittman and Matt Waite at:

www.sptimes.com/wetlands

Comments

[Joshu Jones]

Already our wonderful "tax cut" is bearing fruit for it's sponsors - the developers and their GOP toadies. They will use the budget excuse ad infinitum to destroy any attempts by local government to stand in the way of their exploitation of Florida's wild heritage.

[Don Mott]

Weird and backward are statements that are sugarcoated Howard. How about despicable and forward. The term forward is referring to this 21st century reality, it seems as though every politician in Florida has their hand in some developers pocket. We are running out of land and most of what is left is wetlands so the developers are glad to grease a few palms for the right to fill and pave over this precious resource. Nothing new there it has been going on for a long time. Whether because of apathy or ignorance voters have allowed this to happen and are just now beginning to understand the consequences we all face if this unbridled growth continues. I am afraid that by the time everyone "gets it" or becomes concerned it will be too late!

[Ron]

Will anyone be surprised when the indictments are issued in a few years? Hillsborough politics has always been corrupt. They should probably change the name from Hillsborough to Cook County.

Blair actually said the wetland rules were restricting development? That has to be a joke. The rules aren't working very well because we sure have a lot of development.

Blair didn't even get much money for his vote. What an idiot. The Wetland Killing Bee.

[Lorraine Margeson]

And don't forget our Mosaic Co. buddies....

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/22/Brandontimes/Mosaic_proposes_minin.shtml

Mosaic proposes mining expansion
By CATHERINE E. SHOICHET
Published June 22, 2007

One of the world's largest fertilizer companies plans to add more than 1, 500 acres to its mining operations in southeastern Hillsborough County.

The Mosaic Co. wants to add several parcels south of State Road 674 and west of County Road 39 to its 300, 000-acre Florida empire.

The agricultural land borders the company's existing phosphate mining areas. Company officials say expanding there makes sense, environmentally and financially.

But some neighbors worry that an expansion would disrupt neighborhoods and endanger wildlife.

At a community meeting this week, Mosaic officials presented their plans to nearby property owners. County officials will consider the company's proposal at a hearing in July.

Lisa Lannon, a permitting official with Mosaic, said the company hopes to start mining phosphate rock on the property in 2012. Before that, she said, crews would prepare the site by building a large berm to enclose the property and protect groundwater.

Mosaic is also proposing an expansion on several smaller properties in southeastern Hillsborough County that are surrounded by existing Mosaic mining, Lannon said.

She asked the audience of more than 50 people to hold their questions.

"It would be much easier for you to ask us one on one, " she said.

After the presentation, company representatives stood beside maps placed around the room and fielded questions.

Some residents used rulers to measure the distance between their property and the phosphate mining. Others discussed their plans to oppose the zoning change Mosaic needs to mine on the property.

"I wanted to stand up there and talk to everybody, but they did not leave me that opportunity, " said Mary DiPaolo, 56.

DiPaolo said she has started a petition opposing Mosaic's plans.

Ed Shafii, 70, who owns citrus groves near Mosaic's property, said the county should restrict mine expansions.

"The farmland is going to be ruined and destroyed, " he said. "It's going to be unfair to the land and to nature."

In order to mine on much of the proposed property, Mosaic must get approval from the county to rezone the land.

Hillsborough phosphate and zoning officials are scheduled to consider Mosaic's request July 23. Before the hearing, the company must finalize contracts to purchase or lease the property, Mosaic spokesman David Townsend said.

But that meeting could be rescheduled, Mosaic officials said.

The County Commission will have the final say.

[Lorraine Margeson]

Brian Blair's Abuse of Power
noted in this Times article just wants to make you cringe....

I hope the citizens of Hillsborough contest the circus that was supposed to be a public hearing.......and save the wetlands protections.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/23/Hillsborough/Little_lake__lot_of_a.shtml

[Lorraine Margeson]

Hillsborough County citizens get smart and DO something about a Board of County Commissioners who go against the wishes of the people. As we know, folks are just plain tired of the actions of their elected officials who go against the general majority sentiment of the voting public. Hope all of our local politicians are watching very closely on this one............

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/30/Hillsborough/Group_accuses_board_o.shtml

Also, an excellent Times editorial on Commissioner Blair, the "MISTAKE ON THE LAKE" commissioner......

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/30/Opinion/Commission_s_Blair_al.shtml