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Bruce RitchieMay 1, 2015

Another legislative session dubbed the “year of water” failed to deliver in 2015 as the House went home early over a health care spending dispute with the Senate. HB 7003, a water bill that was a legislative priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, passed the House by a 106-9 vote on the second day of […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A bill that would eliminate a state review program for shopping malls, huge housing projects and other large developments passed the House on Friday and is on the way to the governor. Supporters of SB 1216 said the “developments of regional impact” program was burdensome, redundant and actually discouraged the development of planned communities. The Legislature […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

A wide-ranging House growth management bill was amended Tuesday to remove language requiring construction approval on agricultural land surrounded by development. But HB 933 still faces opposition from cities, counties and environmental groups that are concerned it eliminates a state review process for designated “developments of regional impact.” HB 933 passed the House Transportation and […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Bruce RitchieApril 5, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

With industry and environmental groups sparring over what qualifies for spending under Amendment 1, the chairman of the Senate subcommittee that oversees environmental spending says he won’t haggle over the issue. Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by voters in November, will be a focus of the 2015 Legislative Session starting […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

With industry and environmental groups sparring over what qualifies for spending under Amendment 1, the chairman of the Senate subcommittee that oversees environmental spending says he won’t haggle over the issue. Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by voters in November, will be a focus of the 2015 Legislative Session starting […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 27, 2015

A bill that would substantially change state review of proposed large development projects has been filed, but whether it will pass the Senate and House remains a big question. Trilby Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson, chairman of the Senate committee that oversees growth management, has filed SB 562, which would eliminate the existing state review process […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 26, 2015

A bill that would substantially change state review of proposed large development projects has been filed, but whether it will pass the Senate and House remains a big question. Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby and chairman of the Senate committee that oversees growth management, has filed SB 562, which would eliminate the existing state review process […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

Tag: development of regional impact

“Year of water” failed along with most environmental bills

Bill eliminating state development review program goes to governor

Growth bill passes House panel after “constrained” agriculture language removed

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

With environmental issues looming, Alan Hays won't haggle over Amendment 1 spending

With environmental issues looming, Alan Hays won’t haggle over Amendment 1 spending

Bruce Ritchie: Will bill to end state review of large developments pass?

Bruce Ritchie: Will bill to end state review of large developments pass?

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments