Misc

Gov. Charlie Crist said this morning he hasn’t taken a position on a federal energy bill that Sen. Bill Nelson says would allow drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. Crist today signed five bills related to law enforcement at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles headquarters in Tallahassee. […]

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson today said in Tallahassee he will filibuster if necessary to block an energy bill that contains a provision that would allow oil drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last week created what Nelson called a “ruckus” by adding the

A PAC that wants Florida residents to vote on proposed growth measures won something of a court victory this week. Florida Hometown Democracy Inc., a political action committee, is pushing an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would require voter approval of land-use map and policy changes in local comprehensive plans. The proposal faces opposition

The Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority is facing possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for potential water quality violations caused by erosion at its new airport now under construction. The proposed airport, being built on a portion of the 4,000 acres of land donated by The St. Joe Co., has been the focus

Florida wildlife officials are encouraging a state panel to recommend paying one of their bosses, state wildlife commissioner Ronald Bergeron, not to develop his land so that Florida panther habitat in Hendry County can be protected. The state Acquisition and Restoration Council votes Friday to recommend a new state lands purchase list to the governor

A Senate co-sponsor of a controversial environmental bill says he didn’t know it was amended to include a provision that critics say would limit public input on permitting decisions by the state’s five water management districts. Environmental groups including Audubon of Florida, 1000 Friends of Florida and the Putnam County Environmental Council are calling on

For a larger map, click here. Cooperation between the U.S. Department of Defense, Santa Rosa County and an environmental group helped the state buy 1,389 acres in the Florida Panhandle, purchase supporters said. Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet today voted to approve buying the land near the Navy’s Whiting Field in Santa Rosa County

Gov. Crist hands pen to Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson after signing HB 255 Flanked by Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and state Rep. Leonard Bembry, Gov. Charlie Crist this morning signed HB 255 to formalize Florida’s participation with other states in battling invasive pests. Farmers are struggling within the slumping economy while also battling species such

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK — Representatives of the Everglades Foundation and the Florida Park Service say a revised U.S. Sugar Corp. purchase proposal will help restore the “River of Grass.” But an attorney representing the Miccosukee indian tribe says it will further delay restoration projects already under way. They participated in a panel discussion before visiting

By Michael PeltierThe News Service of Florida With efforts stalled over whether to allow drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast, the fight may go directly to Florida voters. At least one group is attempting to craft and promote a constitutional amendment to not only allow but require the state to push for the discovery and recovery