Florida state parks are protected under new law. Did Gov. DeSantis plan to develop on those lands?
Yes.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration planned to develop property at nine state parks last year. But on May 22, DeSantis signed into law the “State Park Preservation Act,” which bans such development.
In August, the state Department of Environmental Protection proposed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” designed to increase park interest by allowing developers to build lodging, golf courses and other facilities on conservation lands.
Later on, a Florida Governor’s office spokesperson called the plan “an exciting new initiative.”
But it was met with public outcry and protests, with critics saying it would endanger Florida’s wildlife and biodiversity.
Following the backlash, state Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, introduced a bill to safeguard state parks from future proposals. The “State Park Preservation Act” protects parks’ natural resources while ensuring public access for recreation. It requires a 30-day notice for public hearings about proposed changes to conservation areas.
It will take effect July 1.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
— Aaron Mammah
Do you have to “lease” an additional trash bin under Sarasota County’s new waste contract?
Yes.
If Sarasota County residents want more than one bin to store excess trash, they’ll need to pay a monthly fee.
Sarasota County started a new contract in late March with two vendors ––– Waste Pro and FCC Environmental Services. Each will cover a different section of the county and provide one free waste bin for residents.
For an additional bin, residents pay $7.60 per month with a house served by Waste Pro and $12 per month for FCC.
While the previous vendor, Waste Management, also provided one bin, residents could store additional waste in personal containers for collection if they were properly prepared. Since the new vendors’ automated system only recognizes the provided bins, only trash stored in them will be picked up. For additional waste, residents must schedule a bulk pickup. Four bulk pickups are free per year.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
— Clinton Engelberger
