DeSantis' Plan to Develop State Parks Was Part of Wider Plan & Florida Supreme Court Expedites Challenge to State-Run Abortion Amendment Website
September 19, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Florida's State Park Development Plans Wider Than Initially Reported
The continual fallout from the DeSantis administration’s controversial proposal to develop some state parks has revealed that the plans extended far beyond the nine sites that sparked public outrage last month. An undated document obtained via public records request by the Tampa Bay Times shows that state officials had considered adding golf courses, lodges, and pickleball courts to 17 additional parks across the state. The document, titled "Florida State Parks with additional capacity for new Recreational Opportunities," was never publicly disclosed but outlines a broader proposal to transform state parks such as lodges, golf courses, and pickleball courts across various parks. For example, North Peninsula State Park in Volusia County was earmarked for a possible lodge, while Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna was slated for a new golf course and the addition of pickleball and disc golf facilities. Of the expanded list of parks identified, some are home to rare, endemic species such as the endangered Florida panther and fragile habitats. This revelation comes after Gov. DeSantis halted plans for developing nine state parks due to widespread criticism, including from a bipartisan list of politicians, environmentalists, and everyday Floridians. The opposition included concerns about habitat loss, damage to sensitive ecosystems, commodifying and developing of public lands for commercial interests, and the loss of natural preservation intended for quiet enjoyment and conservation. The expanded list, which brings the total number of parks under consideration to at least 26, has raised further alarm among environmentalists and lawmakers that the issue could resurface. The fate of Florida’s cherished state parks remains uncertain as the DeSantis administration reevaluates its plans.
Supreme Court Expedites Challenge to State's Abortion Amendment Website
The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to accelerate a legal challenge against Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials over alleged misuse of government resources to oppose a proposed abortion rights amendment. The lawsuit, filed by Palm Beach County attorney Adam Richardson, alleges that a state-run website about Amendment 4 violates Florida law prohibiting officials from using their authority to interfere with elections. The court ordered Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida to respond to the complaint by September 23. The lawsuit also names DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody, accusing them of using their offices to interfere with the upcoming election. This case represents the most substantial legal pushback against DeSantis' efforts to defeat Amendment 4, which would protect abortion rights in the state constitution if passed by 60% of voters in November. The governor has defended the website as a "public service announcement," while amendment supporters argue it constitutes improper use of state resources for political purposes. Concurrently, the ACLU of Florida announced plans to file a separate lawsuit challenging the state's use of taxpayer funds in opposing the amendment. The escalating tensions between the DeSantis administration and abortion rights advocates are poised to be a contentious battle leading up to the November election.
Florida Supreme Court Weighs Minority Voting Rights in Redistricting Case
The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a high-stakes redistricting case that could significantly impact minority voting protections in the state. At issue is Gov. DeSantis' 2022 congressional map, which eliminated a North Florida district where Black voters had routinely elected their preferred candidates for 30 years. The case centers on whether DeSantis' map violates the state's Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit diminishing minority voting power. However, DeSantis' lawyers argue these protections conflict with the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause as it requires race-conscious districting that prioritizes race as a predominant factor in drawing district lines. Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz suggested a ruling against the plaintiffs could effectively "neuter" parts of the Fair Districts Amendments. Florida voters approved those protections in 2010, forbidding political districts from being drawn to diminish the power of minorities to select their representatives or give advantage to a specific political party or incumbent. As justices noted, the case has far-reaching implications that could invalidate the Fair Districts Amendments and nullify the state’s anti-partisan gerrymandering protections. However, plaintiffs argued that both the non-diminishment provision and the Equal Protection clause can exist in harmony, citing examples where the Legislature balanced redistricting criteria to protect minorities’ voting power without prioritizing race over other factors. If plaintiffs succeed, and the court upholds existing precedent, DeSantis could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court., which could reshape the legal landscape for racial minority protections nationwide.
DeSantis Defends Investigation of Abortion Amendment Petitions
Gov.DeSantis has defended the use of the state's election police to investigate petition signatures supporting Amendment 4, the proposed abortion rights amendment that would overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban. Speaking at a news conference, DeSantis claimed the probe has already uncovered fraud, including petitions submitted on behalf of deceased individuals. In recent weeks, state officials have requested tens of thousands of verified petitions from local election supervisors, followed by law enforcement showing up to the homes of people who signed petitions to question them. This sparked accusations of election interference and voter intimidation. DeSantis dismissed the concerns, stating that complaints about the petition-gathering process prompted the investigation. He asserted that his election police uncovered verified petitions that were not signed by actual voters, leading to police questioning signatories. The probe's timing, just two months before the election, has raised concerns among amendment supporters that it’s a late effort to remove the measure from the ballot. DeSantis, a fierce vocal critic against Amendment 4, is rallying opposition and using his office’s resources to challenge it. This includes having an official state health agency establish a website opposing the pro-abortion initiative, which the governor justified as a "public service announcement" providing "accurate information." He rejected accusations of misusing state resources, insisting the content is “factual” and “not electioneering.”
Florida Senate Seat Remains Elusive for Democrats
Florida Democrats are hoping to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Scott in the state's Senate race, but face an uphill battle in a state that has shifted steadily more conservative in recent years. As Democrats have declared that Florida is in play for the upcoming election, they have yet to significantly back their claim with the level of financial investment needed for such a competitive race. In the race for U.S. Senate, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former Democratic Congresswoman from Miami, lags well behind Sen. Scott in both fundraising and spending. Recent campaign finance data reveals Republicans are outpacing Democrats by a 4-to-1 margin on campaign advertising spending in Florida's Senate race. Through September 11, Republicans had invested $12.7 million in advertising compared to just $3.2 million from Democrats, according to AdImpact. Mucarsel-Powell’s campaign argues that her campaign aligns better with voters on issues like reproductive rights and ballot initiatives, including marijuana legalization, that will help mobilize voters in their favor. However, the paltry spending will make efforts for Mucarsel-Powell to boost name ID and introduce herself to voters against a vastly more recognizable political challenger. National Democrats have also been reluctant to commit significant resources to Florida's expensive media markets as they focus more resources on defending Senate seats they already retain elsewhere.
Pasco County Moves Forward to Restrict New Car Washes
Communities across the country are grappling with the proliferation of car washes and Pasco County is doing something about it. County commissioners unanimously voted to approve new regulations that seek to significantly limit the development of new car washes under changes to its land development code. The measure, presented by the Planning, Development, and Economic Growth Department, aims to preserve job-generating land and reduce the frequency of car washes in major transportation corridors. Key changes include prohibiting car washes in the Connected City, innovation zones, and community hub special planning areas. The proposal also introduces stricter conditional use requirements for new car wash facilities, including demonstrating public need and completing an inventory of existing car washes within a 1.5-mile radius. New car washes will be required to obtain conditional use permits, which include strict guidelines like noise limits, public need assessments, and decommissioning plans. The move comes in response to concerns about the boom of car washes, which typically create few jobs while occupying prime real estate. County officials have mapped out approximately 72 car-washing facilities across Pasco, highlighting the saturation of these businesses along high-traffic roadways.
Controversy Erupts Over Palm Harbor Golf Club Transformation
A contentious debate has erupted in Palm Harbor over plans to convert the Tarpon Woods Golf Club into a wetland preservation site. The proposal, which would transform 170 acres of the 50-year-old facility, comes as the former owners argue that existing financial difficulties have forced the new ownership group to explore alternatives, sparking fierce opposition from local homeowners. At a recent public meeting, former owners Jan Stephenson and Michael Vandiver cited financial struggles and lack of community support as reasons for selling off the golf course two years ago. They said the club requires about $6 million in repairs and renovations. Amid heated exchanges, a representative for the new owners unveiled their vision clarifying that the property would be returned to its “natural state” under state oversight. As a wetland mitigation bank, the property would be restored from its degraded state for wetland mitigation credits and protected in perpetuity from future development. However, residents expressed skepticism about the wetland mitigation banking process and remain concerned about potential development on six acres of the site. The owners have pledged not to turn the property over to residential development, but homeowners are vowing to fight the transformation.
Clearwater Apartment Tower to Transform in Affordable Housing
In a significant move for Clearwater’s housing landscape, a 208-unit apartment tower in downtown Clearwater is set to revert to affordable housing after a brief stint as market-rate rentals. The Indigo, formerly Prospect Towers, will return to affordable housing with a $47.8 million investment from Palm Beach-based Sunrise Affordable Housing Group. They plan to acquire the building, with $10 million in city and county financial backing. The former Prospect Towers provided affordable senior housing for 50 years before it was purchased by an investment group in 2020, removing age restrictions and converting units to market rate. When rents soared during the pandemic, many low-income elderly residents were displaced. The new plan aims to reserve apartment units for individuals earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. The funding strategy includes federal loans and tax credits, with a commitment to long-term affordability through a land trust agreement that ensures the 208 units remain affordable in perpetuity. In transitioning The Indigo from market rate, 59 current residents will be over the income limits and must relocate.
Tampa's Busiest Bus Route May Become Free
Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve a year-long pilot program making HART's bus Route 1 fare-free. The route, which serves over 3,000 daily riders, connects Tampa's urban core, and officials hope the initiative will reduce traffic, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and help residents save on daily expenses. Currently, riders spend $4 to $5 on bus fares daily. Advocates say the free fare program could increase ridership to 6,000 and become a transit system backbone. The plan is estimated to cost $1.5 million but still requires final budget approval and review by the HART board before potentially launching in January.
400 Central Becomes St. Petersburg's Tallest Building
St. Petersburg's skyline has reached new heights with the topping out of 400 Central, now the tallest building in the city and one of the tallest on the Gulf Coast at 515 feet. The 46-story luxury condominium and office tower, developed by New York-based Red Apple Group, marks a significant milestone in the city's urban development. Mayor Ken Welch joined billionaire developer John Catsimatidis Sr. at a ceremony celebrating the achievement. Catsimatidis likened the project to "the Empire State Building of St. Petersburg," highlighting its transformative impact on the cityscape. The tower will house 301 high-end condominiums, starting at $1 million, along with retail and office spaces.
Pinellas County Preserve Closer to Being Protected
In a follow-up to a story featured in last week’s edition, Pinellas County's West Klosterman Preserve, a 14-acre haven of untouched Florida wilderness, is one step closer to being saved from development. WK Preservation Group, a nonprofit fighting to conserve the land near Tarpon Springs, has secured a fundraising deadline extension until December 10. The land, which features a rare Florida scrub habitat and is home to more than 60 endangered species, faces threats of a potential condo complex. The property also borders a 76-acre environmental restoration area. In the campaign to save West Klosterman, the group fell short of its original target but received a boost with over $100,000 in donations as the deadline loomed. With Pinellas County pledging $1.5 million, the nonprofit needs to raise approximately $250,000 more to meet the $3 million purchase price. The money raised to purchase the property from Pinellas County Schools would be used for school infrastructure and facility projects. The WK Preservation Group has emphasized that strong local support has helped sway county officials to back their efforts with government funding and extending the deadline. The group revealed they are speaking with deep-pocketed donors to bridge the fundraising shortfall.
AdventHealth Opens Innovative Organ Donation Center
AdventHealth has opened Florida’s first facility dedicated to organ donors in Orlando, aiming to enhance organ donations across the state. The OurLegacy Center, which opened earlier this month, operates like a mini-intensive care unit for those declared brain dead, whose organs will be donated. This center is one of only 20 in the U.S. and serves a 10-county area. Officials say the facility will help increase organ availability by up to 20%. Each donor has the potential to save eight lives and provide tissue for up to 100 people. The center also offers critical care services and support for grieving families. AdventHealth hopes this innovation will help address the national transplant waiting list of 104,000 people.
AdventHealth’s New Riverview Hospital Seeks to Meet Needs of South Hillsborough's Rapid Growth
AdventHealth's newest $260 million facility in Riverview is set to open on October 23, marking a significant expansion into south Hillsborough County's booming healthcare market. The 282,000-square-foot hospital will initially offer 80 beds, with the capacity to expand to 200 beds as the area's population grows. Nearly 40% of the new hospital will remain an empty shell as it is allocated for future expansion. The site’s CEO Jason Newmyer highlighted the region's incredible growth trajectory, with Riverview projected to be the second-fastest growing part of Hillsborough County (after Tampa), with population rising 17% through 2026. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art features, including mobile X-ray machines in surgery rooms, CAT scans in the emergency department, and a rooftop helipad. This development joins other major healthcare investments in the area, including BayCare's St. Joseph's Hospital South and Tampa General Hospital's outpatient center.
USF President Gets $282K Raise
The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees approved a significant raise and bonus for President Rhea Law, boosting her annual salary by $282,500 and awarding her a $300,000 performance bonus for the past year. Law's base salary will increase from $655,000 to $825,000, with her performance pay cap raised to $412,500, bringing her potential compensation to over $1.2 million in her final contract year. Law’s compensation aligns with other university presidents, following a trend of rising salaries, including New College President Richard Corcoran’s $1 million annual package. USF Board Chair Will Weatherford praised Law for her leadership, citing USF’s membership in the Association of American Universities, record fundraising, notable research awards, rising reputation, and faculty recruitment as key achievements.
Tupperware, Headquartered in Orlando, Files for Bankruptcy
Tupperware Brands, the iconic food storage container company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Orlando-based corporation plans to continue operations during the proceedings and will seek court approval for a potential sale to safeguard its brand. The company has been grappling with financial challenges, including a significant decline in sales since 2018 due to increased competition from lower-cost alternatives. Tupperware reported over $1.2 billion in total debts and $679.5 million in assets in its bankruptcy petition. Despite these setbacks, Tupperware aims to transform into a digital-first, technology-led company but plans to continue utilizing its more than 465,000 free-lance consultants to sell their products. The bankruptcy filing is intended to provide Tupperware with the flexibility needed to restructure its operations and secure a more stable financial future. The company's shares have fallen 75% this year and faces the potential risk of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange
Orlando-based Hawkers Files for Bankruptcy
Orlando-based Hawkers Asian Street Food has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing the need to shield itself from an "overreaching lender." The popular restaurant chain, which operates 15 locations across seven states, emphasizes that all its establishments will remain open during the proceedings. The company's decision comes after entering a debt agreement in early 2023 to fund national expansion. Despite never missing a payment, Hawkers claims the lender recently revealed intentions to seize control of the business. The bankruptcy filing will protect the company from the lender's "hyper-aggressive" tactics and continue normal operations while restructuring its financial obligations. Founded in 2011 by four friends, Hawkers has experienced significant growth, with sales up 18.5% companywide and same-store sales growing 26% in 2023.
Outback Steakhouse Co-Founder & Renowned Tampa Chef to Open New Waterfront Restaurant
Two of Tampa's culinary heavyweights are joining forces once again to bring a new waterfront dining experience to the city. Bob Basham, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse and PDQ, and Chef Chris Ponte, known for his Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant Ponte, are planning an ambitious 8,000-square-foot establishment next to the acclaimed Salt Shack on the Bay, one of the New York Times’ 2023 "America's Best Restaurants." The yet-unnamed restaurant, slated to open in fall 2025, will seat over 300 patrons and offer coastal cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. This marks the duo's second collaboration, following their successful launch of Bare Naked Kitchen in South Tampa in 2022. The restaurant aims to capitalize on the area's growth and stunning bay views. Basham, a Tampa native and philanthropist, and Ponte, with his Le Cordon Bleu training, bring a wealth of experience to this new venture that promises to further elevate Tampa's dining scene.
Pinellas County Neighborhood Floods with 4.5M Gallons of Raw Sewage
A cracked sewer pipe in Pinellas County released 4.5 million gallons of raw sewage into a residential neighborhood for hours on August 28 before reaching local waterways. The spill, which occurred in the Seminole area, is the third such incident to impact the neighborhood since 2021. Pinellas County officials said the spill resulted from a break in a 50-year-old, 24-inch sewer line. County crews responded but didn’t stop the flow for five hours. Approximately 874,000 gallons were collected using vacuum trucks, and overflows were diverted to a stormwater ditch. Subsequent testing of affected coastal waters after the spill showed quality standards were met. The county plans to replace 2,900 feet of the aging pipeline with a more durable 20-inch PVC pipe. Construction is expected to start soon and take seven months.
St. Pete Business Park Sold for $27.2 Million
Basis Industrial, a Boca Raton-based real estate firm, has acquired the Pinellas Business Center in North St. Petersburg for $27.2 million. The six-building campus at Roosevelt Boulevard and 9th Street North features 206,275 square feet of flexible space suitable for office or industrial uses. The property, which was 93% leased at the time of sale, is home to tenants such as Sensidyne, Leidos, and Currant Health Florida. Basis plans to invest in renovations, including HVAC replacements and landscaping upgrades as they seek potential laboratory, office, or traditional manufacturing uses for the site. The acquisition expands Basis' presence in the Tampa Bay area to 650,000 square feet, with plans to reach 1 million by year's end.
Primark Brings Disney Magic to Florida Mall
Primark, the Irish retail giant known for its affordable clothing and broad array of products, has opened its doors at The Florida Mall in Orlando, featuring an entire floor dedicated to Disney merchandise. This marks Primark's 26th U.S. store and 450th globally. The Disney-themed level offers a wide array of affordable products, from $4 t-shirts to $10 denim, celebrating beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and those from "The Lion King" and "Lilo & Stitch." The two-story location, spanning 36,200 square feet, also includes sections for travel, beauty, and general apparel. The store hopes to appeal to both locals and tourists as a go-to destination for those seeking budget-friendly merchandise and even unique photo opportunities for Disney fans throughout the store.
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