Editor’s note: Indian River Neighborhood Association Chair, Honey Minuse, today sent the following letter to IRNA members addressing the Florida Legislature’s failure to use funds voters approved for addressing Florida water supply issues.

In 2014 voters in Florida approved a statewide amendment to dedicate a source of funding to preserve sensitive lands, a major source of water.  The IRNA supported that referendum which today is still known as the “Water and Land Legacy Amendment”. 

 It is noteworthy that 75% of the voters in Florida approved this Amendment.

 It is equally noteworthy that, for the third consecutive year, the Legislators in Tallahassee have not used those dedicated funds for the intended purpose.  

 Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham has been particularly alarmed about this. He recently spoke out about it and that interview, sponsored by USF, is accessed by clicking on the link in the following article.  At the conclusion of the article, you may listen to the entire interview.  

 Many of you have questioned what happened to this Amendment.  Hopefully, your questions will be answered by Florida’s former Governor, Bob Graham. 

 This information was sent to us courtesy of the Florida Conservation Coalition.

 Sincerely, Honey Minuse, Chair, IRNA Board of Directors

STEVE NEWBORN/HEALTH NEWS FLORIDA

The Florida Legislature has voted to eliminate funding for Florida Forever, the state’s primary land-conservation program.

The only part of Florida Forever that is receiving any money this coming year is $10 million dollars for ranchers to not develop their land.  Since 2001, the state has spent nearly $3 billion to buy more than 700,000 acres of land. Continue reading…