Scott’s $84 billion budget wish list marks clear battle lines with House, Senate leaders

Article by: Matt Dixon of POLITICOFLORIDA

01/31/2017 07:01 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott outlined a nearly $84 billion budget proposal Tuesday that would boost state funding to record levels, sock away roughly $5 billion in state reserves, and continues his administration’s fight with the hospital industry.

The governor’s plan is laced with potential landmines that will make portions of it untenable for legislative leaders, who will push hard for their priorities. That’s not uncommon this early in the budget process, but without question clear fault lines exist between the governor and both chambers of the Legislature.

Any governor’s spending plan is often viewed as a wish list to highlight both policy and political priorities. Lawmakers view them as the governor’s recommendations, but they are actually the ones responsible for writing the state budget. The state’s top economists will meet one more time before lawmaker’s need to finalize a budget, which means the revenue outlook will likely look different when they build their spending plan.

This year, Scott put forward a budget that is more than $1 billion bigger than the current budget, a trend that has continued throughout his administration as the economy and state revenues rebounded from a depressed past. Scott’s first budget proposal in 2011 was $69 million.

When breaking down the topline budget number, $30.8 million is state general revenue money, which is the pot of funding lawmakers have the most control over. That’s up $600 million from the current year spending plan. The rest is comprised of a mix of federal dollars and trust fund money tied to specific policy areas.

Though the overall size of the budget would grow by roughly 1 percent under Scott’s plan, he did propose a total of $1.1 billion in spending cuts, most of which would be felt by hospitals. Nearly half the cuts — $581 million — would be achieved by allowing Medicaid managed care plans to reimburse hospitals at “more efficient rates” than traditional Medicaid.

He is also pushing hard for a $618 million tax cut package, 70 percent of which would be a reduction of the tax businesses pay on leases. That tax cut, which has long been pushed for by the business community, would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, because most leases run on a calendar — not fiscal — year.

“Florida is the only state in the nation that has this tax,” Scott told reporters Tuesday at the Associated Press planning session in Tallahassee. “it unfairly targets small businesses.”

Scott’s budget includes a $815 million boost in K-12 education funding, but much of that increase would be shouldered by local property owners. Scott’s increases include 458 million more from local property taxes. House Speaker Richard Corcoran has already said he deems that method of funding education a tax increase on local property owners. Scott counters that it’s due to increasing property values, not an increased tax rate, so it should not be viewed as a hike.

“When your house goes up in value, most of us like that, so anybody that doesn’t understand that that’s not a tax increase, I’m surprised,” Scott told reporters. “I would assume those same people then are going to propose reducing sales tax when they see a consumer good go up in price also, because under their scenario, that would be a tax increase, I presume.”

Along with increased spending, Scott’s budget boosts the state workforce by 327 positions, a departure from position cuts ingrained in recent state budgets. There were roughly 160,000 state workers when Scott took office, a number that’s down to about 114,000 in the current year budget.

The only subset of those workers who would get raises under Scott’s proposal are prison guards, who have long pushed for pay increases but fallen short. Scott’s budget includes $38 million for both base-pay rate increases and starting salaries for guards working in the Department of Corrections.

Scott did not include across-the-board pay raises for state workers, which is likely to be one of the many sticking points he will have with the Legislature as his staff spreads out across the Capitol next week to begin pitching his budget proposal to lawmakers.

Scott also gave an uncharacteristically passionate defense of his request for $85 million in economic incentives for businesses and nearly $80 billion in tourism marketing money for Visit Florida. The Senate is supportive of Scott, but he is again feuding with House leaders, who are philosophically opposed to using taxpayer money for economic development.

“If you want to understand how business works, you market things,” said Scott, his voice clearly tinged with annoyance. “You want to get businesses to this state … it is a process, you are competing.”

Corcoran and other House leaders cast the incentive money as “corporate welfare” that only flows to wealthy business owners, but does not help the average state resident. He prefers tax cuts and boosting funding for things like education as an economic development tool.

Along with the fight with House leaders, Scott’s budget also did not include money for an Everglades reservoir and provides only $25 million in land buying, which is Negron’s top priority. Under Negron’s plan, the state and federal government would split the $2.4 billion cost for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.

As part of that, Negron has proposed bonding, or having the state take on additional debt, to fund the proposal. Taking on additional state debt for the project has so far been a non-starter for Corcoran and Scott, who along with opposing bonding opposes the proposal in general. That sentiment is shared by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who has long opposed the idea of land purchases south of Lake Okeechobee.

Scott’s budget includes no money for bonding in other traditional areas where the financing mechanism is commonly used. A vast majority of the state’s debt load is tied up in transportation and education facility construction. Scott’s budget authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to issue debt.

Now that Scott’s budget has been released, his staff will make presentations to legislative budget subcommittees next week as lawmakers prepare their spending plans. The beginning of that process — what’s known as the setting of allocations — generally comes around the midpoint of the legislative session, which is set to begin March 7.

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of January 23, 2017

  • Lee County Tuesday the 24th @ 9:30am

  • Accept Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Grant to Construct an Artificial Reef

    Acceptance of $120,000 grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will allow Lee County to construct a new artificial reef at the Dean Hicks Reef Site southwest of Redfish Pass, at no additional cost to the County. (#20160756-NATURAL RESOURCES)

  • Approve Coastal Preserves Land Management Plan, First Edition

    The recently completed Coastal Preserves Land Management Plan, First Edition, outlines management and recreational objectives, describes what has occurred, ongoing projects and future management plans, as well as directs the Department of Community Development to initiate rezoning of the Coastal Preserves to “Environmentally Critical” and change Future Land Use to reflect “Conservation Lands Wetlands” and “Conservation Lands Uplands” to portions of the preserves. (#20170004-PARKS AND RECREATION)

  • City of Cape Coral Monday the 23rd @ 4:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Fort Myers No Meetings

  • Town of Fort Myers Beach No Meetings

  • City of Sanibel No Meetings

  • City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

  • Village of Estero No Meetings

  • Charlotte County Tuesday the 24th @ 9:00am

    Vacancies
    Alligator Creek Waterway Unit is seeking one member to fill a vacant unexpired term through October 31, 2019.

    Gulf Cove Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one member to fill a vacant unexpired term through October 31, 2018.

    Harbour Heights Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one member to fill a vacant unexpired term through October 31, 2018.

    Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit is seeking one member to fill a vacant unexpired term. The length of the term will be drawn at the next regular MSBU Advisory Board meeting.

  • Manatee Protection Plan

  • WCIND Agenda for January 27, 2017
    Discussion of the WCIND agenda for the upcoming January 27, 2017 meeting.

  • Z-16-10-13, New Section 3-9-76.1: Watercraft Abandoned, Derelict or Hazard to Navigation

    Approve an Ordinance to amend Charlotte County Code Chapter 3-9, by creating new Section 3-9-76.1. Watercraft Abandoned, Derelict or a Hazard to Navigation; governing the discovery and disposition of vessels that are abandoned, derelict or a hazard to navigation; providing for enforcement and penalties; providing for conflict with other ordinances; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Petition Number is Z-16-10-13. Applicant: Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners.

  • City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

  • Sarasota County Tuesday & Wednesday the 24th & 25th @ 9:00am

    Tuesday
    No issues

    Wednesday
    No issues

  • City of North Port Tuesday the 24th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Sarasota No Meetings

  • City of Venice Tuesday the 24th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • Town of Longboat Key Monday the 23rd @ 1:00pm

    Request for Authorization to Execute Interlocal Agreements with Sarasota County for Four West Coast Inland Navigation District Grants
    The Town has applied for, and received, four grants from the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Each grant is accompanied by an Interlocal Agreement with Sarasota County with the Town of Longboat Key as
    a “SubGrantee”. The accompanying memo provides a summary of each grant and its purpose. Recommended Action: This item was forwarded from the
    January 23, 2017 Regular Workshop Meeting for formal action.

  • Manatee County Tuesday the 24th @ 9:00

    No issues

  • City of Anna Maria Thursday the 26th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Bradenton Beach Thursday the 19th @ 12:00pm (Last Week)

    No issues

  • City of Bradenton Wednesday the 25th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 24th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Palmetto Monday the 23rd @ 7:00pm

    No issues

  • Hillsborough County No Meetings

  • Plant City Monday the 23rd @ 7:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Tampa Thursday the 19th @ 6:00pm (Last Week)

    No issues

  • City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

  • Pinellas County Tuesday the 24th @ 2:00pm

    Dock Fee Report for the month of December 2016.
    https://pinellas.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2941658&GUID=3235F490-95A6-40A7-A7B9-22334E9AA9E2&Options=&Search=

    Quarterly Report of Routine Dock and Dredge/Fill Permits issued from October 1 to December 31, 2016.
    https://pinellas.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2941659&GUID=71DB8DDB-442C-4E17-B01D-1F46F5AE5D7B&Options=&Search=

  • Town of Belleair No Meetings

  • City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

  • City of Belleair Bluffs Monday the 23rd @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Clearwater No Meetings

  • City of Gulfport No Meetings

  • City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

  • Town of Indian Shores Tuesday the 24th @ 2:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Largo No Meetings

  • City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

  • Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

  • City of Oldsmar No Meetings

  • City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 26th @ 7:30pm

    AUTHORIZATION FOR FINAL PAYMENT ON CONTRACT CON-PW11-11MT FOR DREDGING SERVICES – Gator Dredging, Clearwater, FL
    This action is recommended so that final payment can be processed and the contract completed. The total amount of contract CON-PW11-11MT is $94,824.00 and the final payment amount of $9,482.40 to be charged to account 301-382-5-625-38.

  • Town of Redington Shores No Meetings

  • City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

  • City of Seminole Tuesday the 24th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City South Pasadena No Meetings

  • City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 24th @ 6:00pm

  • Tampa Bay Ferry and Water Taxi Presentation – Bob Myers

  • City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

  • City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 24th @ 6:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Treasure Island No Meetings

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District Tuesday the 24th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • South Florida Water Management No Meetings

  • WCIND Friday the 27th @ 10:00am

    Approval of Applications/agreements/CNIF Requests/Resolutions

    1. Approval of Manatee County’s request for $15,000.00 for continuing mitigation design and permitting tasks associated with the Bradenton Beach near-shore channel project. Funding is available with Manatee County’s CNIF.
    2. Approval of Lee County’s request for $1,000,000.00, to implement design and construction activities as needed for previously permitted and approved public navigation projects. Funding is available with Lee County’s CNIF.
    3. Approval of Sarasota County’s request for assistance from WCIND to explore a coordinated framework to implement an inlet monitoring plan for coastal projects in and around New Pass and Big Pass.
    4. Approval of Sarasota County’s request for $200,000.00 to dredge the 10th Street Boat Ramp Project. Funding is available with Sarasota County’s CNIF. Project was previously approved as S-241 that expired on September 30, 2016.

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of January 9, 2017

  • Lee County No Meetings

  • City of Cape Coral Monday the 9th @ 4:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Fort Myers No Meetings

  • Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 9th @ 9:00am

    Harbor Management Plan
    A discussion of revisions to the Town’s Harbor Management Plan.

  • City of Sanibel Monday the 9th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

  • Village of Estero No Meetings

  • Charlotte County Tuesday the 10th @ 9:00am

    Seeking volunteers
    Marine Advisory Committee is seeking one volunteer who must be a Charlotte County resident to fill an at-large position. Term will expire on December 31, 2018. The committee meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Murdock. For additional information or to obtain an application, please call 941.743.1309 or email [email protected].

    Appointment – Marine Advisory Board
    Approve the appointment of Mr. David “Michael” McIntosh to the Marine Advisory Board. Nominated by the Punta Gorda Sailing Club to fill the unexpired of Sarah Buck.  Mr. McIntosh’s term was effective on December 13, 2016, but is on agenda as clarification and will expire on December 31, 2018.

    Appointment – Pirate Harbor Waterway MSBU Advisory Board
    Approve the appointment of Jeffrey Nillson to a vacant term on the Pirate Harbor Waterway MSBU Advisory Board. This appointment will be effective immediately and will expire on October 31, 2017.

    FDEP Agreement for Stump Pass
    Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign DEP Agreement No. 16CH1, which provides financial assistance for the feasibility study, design, permitting, construction, and monitoring of the Charlotte County Erosion Control Project in accordance with FDEP permit requirements.

  • City of Punta Gorda No Meetings   

  • Sarasota County Tuesday & Wednesday the 10th & 11th @ 9:00am

    Tuesday

    To approve a request for funding from the West Coast Inland Navigation District for the 10th Street Boat Ramp project from the County Navigation Improvement Fund, in the amount of $200,000.00;

    To authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to execute a third-party agreement with the City of Sarasota, in the amount of $200,000.00.

    Wednesday

    No issues

  • City of North Port Tuesday the 10th @ 1:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Sarasota No Meetings

  • City of Venice Tuesday the 10th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • Town of Longboat Key Monday the 9th @ 7:00pm

    No issues

  • Manatee County No Meetings

  • City of Anna Maria Thursday the 12th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Bradenton Beach Tuesday the 10th @ 1:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Bradenton No Meetings

  • City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 10th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Palmetto Monday the 9th @ 7:00pm

    No issues

  • Hillsborough County Thursday the 12th @ 6:00pm

    Meeting canceled

  • Plant City Monday the 9th @ 7:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Tampa Thursday the 12th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

  • Pinellas County Tuesday the 10th @ 9:30am

    Dock Fee Report for the month of November 2016.
    16-2240A

  • Town of Belleair No Meetings

  • City of Belleair Beach Monday the 9th @ 6:30pm

    No issues

  • City of Belleair Bluffs Monday the 9th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Clearwater No Meetings

  • City of Gulfport No Meetings

  • City of Indian Rocks Beach Tuesday the 10th @ 7:00pm

    No issues

  • Town of Indian Shores Tuesday the 10th @ 5:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Largo No Meetings

  • City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

  • Town of North Redington Beach Tuesday & Thursday the 10th & 12th @ 10:00am & 6:00pm

    Tuesday Workshop
    Discuss Ordinance revision for docks and seawalls

    Thursday
    No issues

  • City of Oldsmar Tuesday the 19th @ 4:00pm  

    No issues

  • City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

  • Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 11th @ 7:00pm

    No issues

  • City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

  • City of Seminole Tuesday the 19th @ 6:00pm

    No issues

  • City South Pasadena No Meetings

  • City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 10th @ 6:00pm

    Consideration of hosting a Powerboat P1 USA Superstock race off the shores of St Pete Beach

  • City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

  • City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 10th @ 6:30pm

    Award bid: Sunset Beach boat ramp and channel improvements
    https://www.ctsfl.us/index_htm_files/Sunset%20Beach%20Boat%20Ramp.pdf

  • City of Treasure Island No Meetings

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

  • South Florida Water Management Thursday the 12th @ 9:00am

    No issues

  • WCIND No Meetings

 

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of December 19th, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral No Meetings

City of Fort Myers No Meetings

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 19th @ 6:30pm

No Meetings

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs Wednesday the 21st @ 9:00am

No issues

Village of Estero Tuesday the 20th @ 9:30am

No issues

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda Wednesday the 21st @ 9:00am

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, as local host agency for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, authorizing submission of a request for cooperative agreement funding to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for fiscal year 2017 funding; authorizing the City Manager to sign the cooperative agreement and administer the funding on behalf of the City; appropriating funding award; and providing an effective date.

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, as local host agency for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, authorizing submission of a request for grant agreement funding to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for fiscal year 2017 funding; authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant agreement and administer the funding on behalf of the City; appropriating funding award; and providing an effective date.

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, as local host agency for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, authorizing submission of a grant application to the Mosaic Company; authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant application and administer the grant on behalf of the City; appropriating grant award; and providing an effective date.

Vacancies
Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee

Nominations
Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee

Sarasota County No Meetings

City of North Port No Meetings

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice No Meetings

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria No Meetings

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Thursday the 15th @ 9:00am (Last Week)

No issues

City of Temple Terrace Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

River Watch Task Force – Alternate Appointment

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs Monday the 19th @6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport Tuesday the 20th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo Tuesday the 13th @ 4:00pm (Last Week)

No issues

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

Town of Redington Shores No issues

City of Safety Harbor Monday the 19th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach No Meetings

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of December 12th, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 12th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers No Meetings

Town of Fort Myers Beach No Meetings

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 13th @ 9:00am

Vacancies

Harbour Heights Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire October 31, 2018. 
Manchester Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term.
Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term.
Pirate Harbor Waterway Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant term.

Appointment – Manchester Waterway Advisory Board
Approve the appointment of Dennis Peck to a vacant term on the Manchester Waterway MSBU Advisory Board. This term will be effective immediately. The length of the term will be drawn at the first regular Advisory Board meeting after this appointment. 

Re-Appointments – Marine Advisory Committee
Approve the following actions/reappointments to the Marine Advisory Committee for three year terms, expiring on December 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted. Reappoint Mr. Ron Jelliff representing USCGA Flotilla 99, Reappoint Mr. Ray Rose, representing Peace River Sail & Power Squadron, Reappoint Captain Ron Blago, member-at-large, Reappoint Mr. Paul Bigness, member-at-large, Reappoint Mr. Richard Hoagland, Harbour Heights Yacht Club, and move Ms. Sarah Buck, from the PG Sailing Club to the vacant member-at-large to replace Capt. Ralph Allen, who vacated his seat at the November meeting. 

16-296 CO #1 Dredging – Harbour Heights Waterways (Public Works)
Approve Change Order #1 to Contract #16-296, Dredging – Harbour Heights Waterways with Marine Contracting Group Inc., of Punta Gorda, Florida in the amount of $38,400 and add an additional 58 calendar days to the Contract Time.

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Tuesday/Wednesday the 13th/14th @ 9:00am

Tuesday
No issues

Wednesday
Presentation of the Waterways Advisory Council Annual Report.

City of North Port Tuesday the 13th @ 10:00am

Adopt-A-Park Program Agreement for Marina Park
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=9eee53e4-eb19-4c73-ab01-b1862b9d6730.pdf

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Tuesday the 13th @ 9:00am

No issues

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County Tuesday the 13th @ 9:00am

Interlocal Agreement with City of Bradenton Beach (Bridge Street Pier Floating Dock Project) and Budget Amendment B-17-018*
Co Atty Memo – Brad Beach Floating Dock.pdf
B-17-018.pdf

City of Anna Maria No Meetings

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton Wednesday the 14th @ 8:30am

No issues

City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 13th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Palmetto NO Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City Monday the 12th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Tampa No Meetings

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County Tuesday the 13th @ 2:00pm

No issues

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater Monday the 12th @ 1:00pm

No issues

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach Tuesday the 13th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach Tuesday the 13th @ 5:00pm

No issues

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 14th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach Monday the 12th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of St. Petersburg Thursday the 15th @ 3:00pm

No issues

City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 13th @ 6:30pm

Award bid for Boat Dock @ Richard Ervin Park
http://www.ctsfl.us/index_htm_files/Boat%20Dock.pdf

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District Tuesday the 13th @ 9:00am

No issues

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

Charlotte County Moving Ahead with Manatee Protection Plan

In a meeting on Tuesday, December 6th @ 9:00am, Charlotte County has decided to move ahead with their proposed manatee protection plan. The documents linked below explain what changes will be occurring and how these may affect developing future water access.

http://www.charlottefl.com/outreach/agenda/20161206/2.pdf
http://www.charlottefl.com/outreach/agenda/20161206/2a.pdf
http://www.charlottefl.com/outreach/agenda/20161206/2b.pdf

Army Corps denies request for new study of Big Pass dredging

ar-161139708

Agency defends its assessment, says dredging pass will not have ‘significant effect’

SARASOTA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has denied Sarasota County’s request for a more stringent environmental study of the controversial plan to dredge Big Pass.

In a seven-page letter to the Sarasota County Commission on Tuesday, the Army Corps defended the type of environmental assessment it has conducted on the plan to dredge up to 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from the pass to rebuild more than 1.5 miles of Lido Key beach.

The plan has been highly scrutinized by Siesta residents, groups and businesses that fear changes to the channel could lead to more and faster erosion on Siesta Key’s iconic beaches. To support those groups, the County Commission asked the Army Corps in August for another, more intensive study of the project, known as an “environmental impact statement.”

“Based on the coordination conducted to date, the primary controversy is a local public concern that there may be a disruption of sand flow to the Siesta Key beaches south of Big Sarasota Pass,” the Corps’ response concluded. “Extensive modeling indicates that the project will not change the volume of sand reaching these beaches. No other significant concerns have been raised, either by other state and Federal agencies, or by the public.

“As a whole, the proposed project is not expected to have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment.”

On Wednesday night the Corps’ decision buzzed around a packed room of more than 150 Lido and Siesta residents who turned out for a public information meeting on the project, held in the community room at the Waldemere Fire Station.

At displays around the room, representatives from the Army Corps discussed the project’s design and planned monitoring program, City Engineer Alex DavisShaw fielded questions and Florida Department of Environmental Protection leaders discussed the ongoing permitting process.

DEP is reviewing a city and Army Corps application for a joint coastal permit for the dredging, and has until Dec. 27 to issue a notice of decision on that application. That notice could either approve it as is, approve it with stipulations, deny it or delay a final decision to conduct a third round of requests for additional information.

If the DEP releases a notice of intent to issue the permit with or without stipulations, it will be challenged by one or two Siesta Key organizations, their leaders said Wednesday.

Save Our Siesta Sand 2, led by Siesta resident Peter van Roekens, has been raising money to appeal the permit since this summer and pledged to fight the project until an alternative source of sand is found.

The Army Corps and the city of Sarasota “seem intent on initiating a process, the results of which no one can predict and which may be irreversible,” van Roekens said. “If the intent to permit is issued in its present form, consider this our notice of intent to challenge.”

The Siesta Key Association — which led the effort in August to ask for the new environmental review — also plans to appeal the permit if it is approved without any stipulations, association second vice president Catherine Luckner said.

“It’s harsh,” Luckner said of the Corps’ letter. “We’re leaving our questions with them tonight and we believe there are still outstanding things that need to be addressed within the application itself.”

Florida International University professor Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, will discuss the controversy at the Siesta Key Association’s meeting at 4:30 p.m. today at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on the key. Leatherman ranks Siesta Beach second on his annual list of the best beaches in the country and named it No. 1 in 2011.

Read original article here

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of November 28, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 28th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers Monday the 28th @ 5:15pm

No issues

Town of Fort Myers Beach No Meetings

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County No Meetings

City of North Port Thursday the 1st @ 4:00pm

No issues

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Wednesday the 30th @ 9:00am

An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Venice, Florida, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation; Article I, in General; Section 46-1, Description of City Parks System; Authorized Uses; and Article IV, Marine Activities; Division 5, Marine Parks; Section 46-186, Miscellaneous Rules; Providing for Repeal of all Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; Providing for Severability and Providing an Effective Date
Memorandum

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County Thursday the 1st @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Anna Maria Wednesday the 30th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Bradenton Beach Thursday the 1st @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City Monday the 28th@ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Tampa Thursday the 1st @ 9:00am

File No. X2016-959
Resolution approving the “Single Source” proposal of HamiltonJet, Inc. for the furnishing of Hamilton Jet HJ364 Water Jets for the “Patriot” Fire Boat in the estimated amount of $247,485.82 for use by Tampa Fire Rescue; authorizing the Director of Purchasing to purchase said property, supplies, materials or services; providing an effective date.

File No. E2016-15 
Council presenting a resolution supporting Port Tampa Bay’s efforts to work with manufacturers, shippers, the Cuban Government and the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) which operates Port Mariel, to make Port Tampa Bay the U.S. Entry Point for ships coming from the Port Mariel Trans-Shipment Hub of the Western Hemisphere, and make Port Tampa Bay the U.S. Gateway to Cuba and the World. – (Original motion initiated by Capin-Reddick on November 17, 2016.)

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater Tuesday the 29th @ 9:00am

Presentation of Draft Downtown Waterfront Master Plan – Imagine Clearwater (WSO)

Pier 60 Presentation – Dr. Heyward Mathews, St. Petersberg College

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach Monday the 28th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

Town of Redington Shores No Meetings Until December 14th

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach No Meetings

City of St. Petersburg Thursday the 1st @ 8:30am

Respectfully request funding not to exceed $65,000 from BP settlement funds for infrastructure needed for the Tall Lynx Ship in the North Basin.

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

Notice to Navigation: Canaveral & Okeechobee Waterway Lock Closures for Manatee Protection System Maintenance

Notice is given that Canaveral, WP Franklin, Ortona, Moore Haven, Port Mayaca and St Lucie Locks will have scheduled 4 hour closures 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. at locations and dates listed below to support annual maintenance to the Manatee Protection System.

W.P. Franklin Monday, December 5, 2016
Ortona Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Moore Haven Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Port Mayaca Thursday, December 8, 2016
St Lucie Friday, December 9, 2016
Canaveral Monday – Tuesday, December 12-13, 2016

Additional locking hours may be available based on the contractors work. Call the Lock shift operator for current information.

W.P. Franklin Lock 239-694-5451
Ortona Lock 863-675-0616
Moore Haven Lock 863-946-0414
Port Mayaca Lock 561-924-2858
St Lucie Lock 772-287-2665
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421

Download this notice in PDF form

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of November 7, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 7th @ 4:30pm

Seven Islands and Northwest Vision Plan Final Report (Draft)

City of Fort Myers Monday the 7th @ 4:30pm

No issues

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 7th @ 4:00pm

No issues

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 8th @ 9:00am

05-193 Pirate Harbor Amendment #6 (Public Works)
a) Approve Amendment #6 to Contract #05-193, Engineering Services – Pirate Harbor Waterway, with Coastal Engineering Consultants in the amount of $24,908; and
b) Authorize the Chairman to sign the Amendment when completed. This amendment is to provide additional information that has been requested by the agencies to complete the permit application process.

WCIND Agenda for November 18, 2016
Discussion and direction of the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) November 18, 2016 Board Meeting Agenda.

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Tuesday & Wednesday the 8th and 9

Tuesday
No issues

Wednesday
No issues

City of North Port Tuesday the 8th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Sarasota Monday the 7th @ 2:30pm

No issues

City of Venice Tuesday the 8th @ 9:00am

An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Venice, Florida, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation; Article I, in General; Section 46-1, Description of City Parks System; Authorized Uses; and Article IV, Marine Activities; Division 5, Marine Parks; Section 46-186, Miscellaneous Rules; Providing for Repeal of all Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; Providing for Severability and Providing an Effective Date
Attached is a copy of our City of Venice park names and rules, 46-1 and 46-186. I would like to submit a change to the rules and the name for the boat ramp.
Currently the boat ramp at Venice Ave is named Marina Park and Boat Ramp, I would like to change it to Venice Marine Park and Boat Ramp. The reason is that in our city ordinances there are city park rules no marina park rules. I know that may seem unimportant but I had a case thrown out because of a single letter in a word. Also I would like to adjust a couple items in the park rules under 46-186. The first one discusses “dive or swim from docks”, I would like to add to the end of that “and seawalls”. The second one mentation’s “fish from the docks”, I would like to add “and seawalls” to end, and then omit during daylight hours except in designated areas.

Town of Longboat Key Monday the 7th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 10th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto Monday the 7th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Thursday the 10th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach Monday the 7th @ 5:30pm

Resolution 2016-09 Establishing parking pay hourly rates at Morgan Drive Park and the City Marina.

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach Thursday the 10th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores Wednesday the 9th @ 5:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Largo Tuesday the 1st @ 6:00pm (last week)

No issues

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach Thursday the 10th @ 7:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 10th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores Tuesday the 8th Meeting Canceled

City of Safety Harbor Monday the 7th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole Thursday the 10th @ 6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach No Meetings

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management Thursday the 10th @ 9:00am

No issues

WCIND No Meetings