News has been grim in the dog days of Summer: We have to fight with lawsuits to protect our quality of life in South Florida as our elected officials are not doing it for us. It was recently announced that Lowe’s is going to appeal an Administrative Hearing decision, which would not allow them, through our County Commissioners, to move the Urban Development Boundary for a store. There is also the lawsuit that has been filed by Weston to challenge SB 360. 360 is now a law put in place by our State elected officials. We recently found out that County Manager George Burgess was not accurate in his assessment of the cost of the Marlin’s Stadium deal. Outside sources confirmed it would cost at least $2.4 Billion, at a time when our community is scrambling for funds. Governor Crist has given the power to control Florida’s greatest commodity “water” to 5 individuals, removing 5 water management District Boards and public comment from the process.
News for our pocketbook is also grim. The newly elected Miami Dade Property Appraiser has revealed that almost every city has seen more than a 5% property value decline which translates to less revenues. The County decline is at about -10%. The unemployment in Miami Dade is at about 9.6%. Citizen Insurance premiums are set to sky-rocket according to reports in today’s Herald and FP&L is having hearings to increase rates. Mortgage’s low introductory interest rates are resetting for thousands. The middle class is getting squeezed from every direction.
Citizens are feeling more and more powerless in South Florida. What are our next steps to turn things around? Any of you have any ideas?
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yes, I have an idea: As Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland would have said:
LET'S PUT ON A SHOW!
Just keep telling the truth. And asking questions. And filing public records requests. Citizens are too polite considering the state of local governments and the attitudes of politicians. Take the gloves off.