Sen Gaetz ? Sharpen a different axe! Florida needs the DCA and the FDEP.
State Sen. Don Gaetz has publicly stated he will head up legislation to shut down both the Florida Department of Community Affairs and the Florida Department of Environmental protection. He has labeled them as ?Destructive Government functions?, Really Sen. Gaetz? Let?s discuss the agencies and their growth management destructive functions to date from another perspective. Does anybody really know what these agencies do for us? Allow me to explain how they protect the common citizen.
The Florida DCA has been around since 1969 and is over such boards as the Florida Building Commission, Florida Communities Trust Governing Board, and the Commission for a Sustainable Florida. They manage the Florida Building Code, Post- Disaster Redevelopment planning, and areas of critical state concern.
These areas include City of Apalachicola, The city of Key West, the Florida Keys, Green Swamp and Big Cypress swamp. The DCA?s CDBG program has brought in more than 540 million in FEDERAL funds for neighborhood stabilization and during 2005 hurricane season obtained 82 million in federal funding for disaster relief.
In the last 5 years the CDBG program has created 3,500 permanent Florida jobs. The agency is the sole enforcement authority for over 1100 Development?s of Regional Impact (DRI?s). Such developments include, Airports, Attractions and facilities(Disney!), Hospitals, Industrial Facilities, Mining Operations, Petroleum Storage Facilities, Port Facilities, Hotel and Motel developments, Post- Secondary Schools, Residential and Multi-use developments. These developments are defined by Florida statute 380.06 as
??any development which, because of its character, magnitude, or location would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than one County.?
Since 1973 the agency has approved 1173 DRI?s throughout all Regions of Florida.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages Florida?s natural resources and enforces the State's environmental laws.
DEP oversees and manages Florida's award-winning state parks and trails system. Since 1990, through its innovative land acquisition programs - Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever programs, more than two million acres of valuable lands have been preserved, protecting habitat for 190 native and endangered animals and plants, while restoring ecosystems statewide throughout the state.
The Department's regulatory priorities include administering Florida?s air pollution control programs to best protect human health; protecting and restoring water quality; managing hazardous waste and cleanups; overseeing beach restorations; and reviewing applications for power plants, transmission lines and natural gas pipelines. In addition, DEPs six District Offices ensure statewide compliance with department rules.
Together with the South Florida Water Management District, DEP is implementing the 30-year, $10.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which covers 16 counties over an 18,000 square mile area. FDEP has received funding commitments from the Federal government for 2.4 Billion for the acquiring of more than 229,000 acres in Florida
With all these facts, I ask the question?is this kind of government destructive? I say not! I also say that after approving over 1000 major developments, that affect more than one county, any type of major growth these agencies stopped was growth Florida doesn?t need or want.
Let?s think about this, can we be good students of history or are we doomed to repeat it. Before these agencies existed we had such things as ?Swampland developments in Florida? and the Big business of Sugar Cane, and agriculture was determined to ruin the image of Florida and the certain demise of the Florida Everglades.
These agencies are Non Partisan and should not be the target of any Party, Republican or Democrat. The agencies are the peace of mind that citizens, who borrow money, move to Florida and invest in the ?Florida Dream? need, deserve and pay taxes for. After County?s ?look the other way?, these are the only agencies who stand between a citizen and big development when they don?t do what they are supposed to.
Without these agencies profits may soar with no oversight in place for a short term, but it will backfire. Our future generations will bear the burden of our hasty decisions to remove enforcement, then put no checks and balances on infrastructure and the environment. It is always cheaper to do it right the first time than to come back and fix the mess from a knee jerk reaction, this decision will have long term effects.
I am a Federal Govt. worker who just had his pay frozen for two years by the Federal Administration. I consider myself a good American and have no problem taking a pay freeze, or cut for that matter, if it?s for the good of everybody I?ll tighten my belt. I am only disappointed this wasn?t implemented across the board and excluded Congress, Staffers and the usual suspects from the pay freeze. How is this leadership? Do as I say, not as I do! Something smells in DC and its politics.
I beg of you Sen. Gaetz, figure out what how much percentage it would take from every agency EQUALLY to cut the budget 3.6 billion and lead the charge to implement that across the board statewide. Don?t cut taxes, freeze the tax base and after the initial cuts, only grow state govt. at the rate the tax base can sustain as revenues increase. Match the Federal initiative and freeze all state workers and elected officials pay including staffers for two years while we ?CATCH UP?. Simply approach it from a business standpoint and leave politics out of the decision to balance the state budget.
If there were no cops, speeders would rule and crime would indeed pay. Eliminate these two agencies Sen. Gaetz and my children, grandchildren and the environment will pay for it. By the way if you?re interested, this is not a political statement or a bashing, just like the Senator I?m a republican too. I just have a very little different view; I say these public agencies are invaluable and important to all of us.
Alan OsborneAlan OsborneBeach Lover105 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
3,569 views
Edited
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17GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Alan, I am a Democrat, and I agree with every word you wrote. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue--it is a Florida issue.
To do what the Senator wants will set Florida back at least 30 years--combine this with what he wants to do with Education and what he will allow in off shore drilling, and we will never recover in my lifetime, or yours...our great, great grandchildren will be paying the price of partisan politics.
When did conservative morph into regressive?
When greed took over--and stewardship of the land became something one only reads about in John Muir's writings...or the Bible?
People need to pay attention--if we all don't speak up-- and with intelligence, dignity, civility and accurate information, one day we will look around and not recognize what our state has become--and the politicians, developers and others who benefit from the short term "budget fix" will have moved on...to another place to repeat the performance.
To do what the Senator wants will set Florida back at least 30 years--combine this with what he wants to do with Education and what he will allow in off shore drilling, and we will never recover in my lifetime, or yours...our great, great grandchildren will be paying the price of partisan politics.
When did conservative morph into regressive?
When greed took over--and stewardship of the land became something one only reads about in John Muir's writings...or the Bible?
People need to pay attention--if we all don't speak up-- and with intelligence, dignity, civility and accurate information, one day we will look around and not recognize what our state has become--and the politicians, developers and others who benefit from the short term "budget fix" will have moved on...to another place to repeat the performance.
Edited
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticYou have a Governor who want to make things smaller and less cumbersome for business, er the people and get rid of the money grubbing, lazy government worker:sarc:, so really what way do you really think this is going to play out. The leadership in the legislative side will tell the rank and file how they will vote, so they can keep there seat at the table.
Edited
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
You have a Governor who want to make things smaller and less cumbersome for business, er the people and get rid of the money grubbing, lazy government worker:sarc:, so really what way do you really think this is going to play out. The leadership in the legislative side will tell the rank and file how they will vote, so they can keep there seat at the table.
yes, and it makes one wonder: what is it that is so important to them that they want to keep their seat?
Salary is not that great; benefits are good and right now at no cost to the Member; but still most could afford to buy their insurance--and probably most had jobs that paid more--most do not seem to be committed public servants...so, what does that leave as a reason for following the leadership so they can "keep their seat at the table?"
It's a question I wish every Floridian would ask themselves.
Edited
Here4GoodHere4GoodBeach FanaticPoint Washington1,264 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Here4GoodBeach FanaticPoint Washington1,264 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI'll trade him - they can seawall the entire beach, if we eliminate Citizen's public-subsidized insurance for oceanfront properties, or anything within 1/2 mile of the CCL.
You build it, you get insurance for it in the free market, instead of asking the rest of us to pay a "fee" on our insurance to help you out.
Show them pictures of Galveston, and ask how they will like jumping off their seawall into the Gulf instead of onto a beach.
You build it, you get insurance for it in the free market, instead of asking the rest of us to pay a "fee" on our insurance to help you out.
Show them pictures of Galveston, and ask how they will like jumping off their seawall into the Gulf instead of onto a beach.
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertAlan, I am a Democrat, and I agree with every word you wrote. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue--it is a Florida issue.
To do what the Senator wants will set Florida back at least 30 years--combine this with what he wants to do with Education and what he will allow in off shore drilling, and we will never recover in my lifetime, or yours...our great, great grandchildren will be paying the price of partisan politics.
When did conservative morph into regressive?
When greed took over--and stewardship of the land became something one only reads about in John Muir's writings...or the Bible?
People need to pay attention--if we all don't speak up-- and with intelligence, dignity, civility and accurate information, one day we will look around and not recognize what our state has become--and the politicians, developers and others who benefit from the short term "budget fix" will have moved on...to another place to repeat the performance.
Yes and yes.
Busta HustleBusta HustleBeach Fanatic434 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Really all the senator is trying to say is "it's a matter of simple justice" How dare a lesser taxing authority try to out tax his taxing authority!
InvestigatorInvestigatorBeach Comber8 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
Sen Gaetz "Right On"
Many so-called South Walton Republican refuse to understand the voters sentiment this past November. "We" don't want federal, state, and local government running roughshod over private property rights'.
DCA, DEA, EPA are job-killing, tree and turtle huggers destroying America's sense of ingenuity and our private rights'.
I understand Sen. Gaetz is support of a bill which will "kill" the five-year drop program in Florida. Amen. Each year, us taxpayers pay billions to retired state employees who decide to hang in there for 1-to-5 additional years. It's a big payday. Many will wind-up with several hundred thousand additional dollars when their drop comes to an end.
We understand Sheriff Adkinson is working with lobbyists to maintain and strengthen "Drop". Once again the "ultimate" Big Boy himself proves he's not of the Republican philosophy and uses his (R) only on the ballot box. Say no to "Drop" and cronyism, which is costing us "billions"...
Many so-called South Walton Republican refuse to understand the voters sentiment this past November. "We" don't want federal, state, and local government running roughshod over private property rights'.
DCA, DEA, EPA are job-killing, tree and turtle huggers destroying America's sense of ingenuity and our private rights'.
I understand Sen. Gaetz is support of a bill which will "kill" the five-year drop program in Florida. Amen. Each year, us taxpayers pay billions to retired state employees who decide to hang in there for 1-to-5 additional years. It's a big payday. Many will wind-up with several hundred thousand additional dollars when their drop comes to an end.
We understand Sheriff Adkinson is working with lobbyists to maintain and strengthen "Drop". Once again the "ultimate" Big Boy himself proves he's not of the Republican philosophy and uses his (R) only on the ballot box. Say no to "Drop" and cronyism, which is costing us "billions"...
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticYou have a Governor who want to make things smaller and less cumbersome for business, er the people and get rid of the money grubbing, lazy government worker:sarc:, so really what way do you really think this is going to play out. The leadership in the legislative side will tell the rank and file how they will vote, so they can keep there seat at the table.
Touche' Nice historical shot at Marti Coley, not saying I disagree with it though. She certainly votes to insure she gets a chair.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI'll trade him - they can seawall the entire beach, if we eliminate Citizen's public-subsidized insurance for oceanfront properties, or anything within 1/2 mile of the CCL.
You build it, you get insurance for it in the free market, instead of asking the rest of us to pay a "fee" on our insurance to help you out.
Show them pictures of Galveston, and ask how they will like jumping off their seawall into the Gulf instead of onto a beach.
Did you see the new wind model? Finally something that makes sense. Now if only the group that has to accept it will do so and they will implement it. Market rates will truly control growth and building in high risk areas for a change. But it took promoting Atwater up and out for this thing to get a toehold in the system. The next thing is to get rid of this crazy sinkhole coverage scam that is going on in Central Florida.
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticTouche' Nice historical shot at Marti Coley, not saying I disagree with it though. She certainly votes to insure she gets a chair.Brad Drake, Greg Evers, Big and Little Gaetz, Jimmy Patronis are going to do the same thing. I like Marti Coley but those are her words, when she starts representing the best interest of her constitutes instead of the party and the leadership. I'll be seeing them all soon enough.
TreeFrogTreeFrogBeach FanaticSeagrove1,793 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
TreeFrogBeach FanaticSeagrove1,793 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticThe thing that chaps me about public officials is how willing they are to sell out the broad interest of the electorate in exchange for a campaign contribution that seems big to them, but is chump change in comparison to the effect they have on thousands, if not millions, of people.
The thing that chaps me about the electorate is that they continue to believe the manipulative stuff that elected officials say to sway their vote, instead of digging into their actual agenda and voting record.
Sen Gaetz is just one of many, but he's a classic example.
The thing that chaps me about the electorate is that they continue to believe the manipulative stuff that elected officials say to sway their vote, instead of digging into their actual agenda and voting record.
Sen Gaetz is just one of many, but he's a classic example.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticBrad Drake, Greg Evers, Big and Little Gaetz, Jimmy Patronis are going to do the same thing. I like Marti Coley but those are her words, when she starts representing the best interest of her constitutes instead of the party and the leadership. I'll be seeing them all soon enough.
I never thought I would be the one saying this, but it really is getting hard to come up with a reason to vote.
Busta HustleBusta HustleBeach Fanatic434 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
FEMA is making rumblings about not wanting to issue flood insurance in areas seward of the cccl. Currently you can under insure a beach front condo building at a rate of $250,000/unit. Good coverage for a beachfront manch is about a $30,000 annual bill including extra flood insurance. And every time you turn around St.Farm wants another 28% average policy increase. Good Times!
No money for beach restoration projects due to tax base erosion and government officials jockeying for the $$$ that are left. Shoot low boys the enemy is riding shetlands. One question about seawall permitting and construction, when does "temporary" mean permanent?
No money for beach restoration projects due to tax base erosion and government officials jockeying for the $$$ that are left. Shoot low boys the enemy is riding shetlands. One question about seawall permitting and construction, when does "temporary" mean permanent?
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
FEMA is making rumblings about not wanting to issue flood insurance in areas seward of the cccl. Currently you can under insure a beach front condo building at a rate of $250,000/unit. Good coverage for a beachfront manch is about a $30,000 annual bill including extra flood insurance. And every time you turn around St.Farm wants another 28% average policy increase. Good Times!
No money for beach restoration projects due to tax base erosion and government officials jockeying for the $$$ that are left. Shoot low boys the enemy is riding shetlands. One question about seawall permitting and construction, when does "temporary" mean permanent?
maybe it's in a Walton County dictionary?
Andy AAndy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFEMA is making rumblings about not wanting to issue flood insurance in areas seward of the cccl. Currently you can under insure a beach front condo building at a rate of $250,000/unit. Good coverage for a beachfront manch is about a $30,000 annual bill including extra flood insurance. And every time you turn around St.Farm wants another 28% average policy increase. Good Times!When you've been told before you construct the armoring by FDEP and other agencies that what you are proposing to do will be approved permanently. Maybe some of you should know what you are talking about before trashing beachfront owners who did what they were told they could do and have now waited 5 years for an inept state agency to get its act together and do what it said it would do. Sen. Gaetz is right, at least in this instance. FDEP has proven to be completely useless.
No money for beach restoration projects due to tax base erosion and government officials jockeying for the $$$ that are left. Shoot low boys the enemy is riding shetlands. One question about seawall permitting and construction, when does "temporary" mean permanent?
Everyone seems to be missing the point. Without these agencies development as a whole would go completely unchecked except for county commission oversight. Without these agencies a developer can do anything they want with simply a few commissioners in their back pocket. County staffs would face a wall of lawyers for anything they rejected with no state enforcement to back them up! Still want to eliminate these agencies. Where are all our "Coastal conservationist" who beat the drum in sowal?, you should be scared of such legislation to eliminate laws that provide enviormental oversight. The reasons these agencies are ineffective sometimes is, political pressure from special intrest groups are filtered down from the governors office to the secretary's to satisfy political contributors.
The heads of these two agencies need to be elected in a non partisan race in order to serve the people and not the current party in power. Only then will these laws be enforced fairly. I say again, abolishing the DCA and DEP or their state laws are moves that will cost us billions in clean up in the long run! More bills for our children to pay........
The heads of these two agencies need to be elected in a non partisan race in order to serve the people and not the current party in power. Only then will these laws be enforced fairly. I say again, abolishing the DCA and DEP or their state laws are moves that will cost us billions in clean up in the long run! More bills for our children to pay........
Busta HustleBusta HustleBeach Fanatic434 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Everyone seems to be missing the point. Without these agencies development as a whole would go completely unchecked except for county commission oversight. Without these agencies a developer can do anything they want with simply a few commissioners in their back pocket. County staffs would face a wall of lawyers for anything they rejected with no state enforcement to back them up! Still want to eliminate these agencies. Where are all our "Coastal conservationist" who beat the drum in sowal?, you should be scared of such legislation to eliminate laws that provide enviormental oversight. The reasons these agencies are ineffective sometimes is, political pressure from special intrest groups are filtered down from the governors office to the secretary's to satisfy political contributors.
The heads of these two agencies need to be elected in a non partisan race in order to serve the people and not the current party in power. Only then will these laws be enforced fairly. I say again, abolishing the DCA and DEP or their state laws are moves that will cost us billions in clean up in the long run! More bills for our children to pay........
Sorry about that Mr. O. you are right that the issue is of great importance. I went back and read Richards/SWCC post from 2005 between the county and the DCA in regards to the dismantling of the comprehensive plan. It is a very good piece as is the photo journalism piece done during the seawall fiasco.
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