by TRC_Admin | Nov 3, 2022 | Undergrounding
Photo: News Service of Florida seen in clickorlando.com
“Less than a week after Hurricane Ian knocked out power to large swaths of Florida, state regulators Tuesday approved utilities’ long-term plans to try to bolster the electric system.
The state Public Service Commission approved, with some changes, plans submitted by Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co. and Florida Public Utilities Co. The plans detail a wide range of projects, including increasing the number of underground power lines…
State Rep. Randy Fine announced Thursday that more than 100,000 people in Brevard County lost power during Hurricane Ian’s trek across Central Florida. As the commission Tuesday took up what are known as ‘storm protection plans,’ Commissioner Gary Clark described the situation as a ‘balance.’
‘We are never going to build a system that is storm-proof. It’s not possible,’ Clark said.
Commissioner Gabriella Passidomo also raised concerns about costs and benefits, saying that ‘maybe we need to just temper our pace a little bit in these investments and reassess over time about how effective they are in certain areas. Because, as we have seen, every storm is very different.’
Utilities filed the proposals in the spring, but Tuesday’s commission votes came as crews continued to work on restoring power after Hurricane Ian slammed the Southwest Florida coast Wednesday and continued across the state… As an example of the money involved, FPL’s proposal included more than $4.67 billion in costs over the next three years, according to a commission staff recommendation. That was before Tuesday’s changes, which would at least slightly reduce the amount.
In its proposal, FPL said the projects would largely continue efforts started under a plan approved in 2020 by the commission.
‘The existing hardening and storm preparedness programs have already demonstrated that they have and will continue to increase T&D (transmission and distribution) infrastructure resiliency, reduce restoration times, and reduce restoration costs when FPL’s system is impacted by extreme weather events,’ the proposal, filed in April, said.”
— Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida in clickorlando.com
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by TRC_Admin | Aug 29, 2022 | Nature, Placemaking
Photo: NPS
“The Florida National Scenic Trail , or just Florida Trail, is a federally-designated trail intended to offer a continuous non-motorized recreation opportunity showcasing the biodiversity, history, and culture of Florida.
Its northern terminus lies here on the white sands of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Follow it south for over 1,300 miles and you’ll eventually find its southern terminus in the river of grass in Big Cypress National Preserve…
Florida is home to many unique environments, some of which are not seen anywhere else in the world. This gives trail users prime access to some of the best nature and wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. By traveling the Florida Trail, one can experience a variety of ecosystems including longleaf pine forests, sand dune scattered beaches, and hardwood hammocks. Wildlife viewing along the Florida Trail is also spectacular, providing visitors with the opportunity to see black bears, alligators, panthers, gopher tortoises, and many species of endangered birds including wood storks, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and roseate spoon bills. Whether exploring a secluded wilderness area or a Florida Trail Gateway Community, the Florida Trail is the perfect place to find an authentic outdoor experience.”
— National Park Service
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Visit Florida Trails here
by TRC_Admin | Aug 29, 2022 | City Signs, Mural, Safety
Photo: Flickr JR P as seen in Only in Your State Florida
“DeFuniak Springs officials say they want the city to be a destination spot for tourists. One way of doing this is by promoting the arts.
‘It’s been a bit of a collaborative effort between Main Street and the city, and also with the Tree and Beautification Board,’ said City Beautification & Tree Board Chair Kim Wennerberg. ‘We’re all trying to work together to make downtown more interesting and more of a destination…’
However, one street painting in particular continues to be controversial.
The project was intended to be more than art, though. City officials said this street mural was part of a safety project, intended to slow drivers down.
It has caused controversy because many say they don’t like it.
Wennerberg said the city had the board conduct a survey on the street painting. More than 750 people participated in the survey. Wennerberg said the majority of the reactions have been negative.
‘Even the mural here, I know there’s been a lot of opposition about it in whether they like it or not, but, you know, if you go overhead and with a lot of people flying over, they know where DeFuniak is,’ said local Greg Brack.
The future of the street painting remains unclear.”
— Marissa Roman, Only in Your State Florida
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by TRC_Admin | Aug 29, 2022 | Placemaking
Photo: Only In Your State Florida
“MSN Insider came out with a list of the best small towns in every state, and we’re happy to say that DeFuniak Springs was named the most beautiful spot in Florida. This panhandle gem is loaded with history, but also boasts a beautiful appeal that you don’t want to miss out on. Plan a weekend trip to explore this delightful town and see what you’ve been missing.
DeFuniak Springs, Florida was originally founded as a 19th-century resort for railroad travelers, welcoming various notable guests from presidents to writers, musicians, and poets.
Today, visiting DeFuniak Springs will provide much of the same Victorian charm and architecture that it held way back when. Visit the Walton County Library, also known as the oldest library in the state before heading off to find a nice meal at a local mom-and-pop shop…”
— Victoria Scott, WJHG/WECP
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by TRC_Admin | Aug 29, 2022 | City Signs, Codes, Feather Flags, Highway Beautification
Photo: Kristin Swain, Anna Maria Island Sun
“As long as money doesn’t exchange hands, watercraft rentals and other businesses are allowed to operate on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway corridor.
Anyone who’s traveled the Palma Sola Scenic Highway has seen the roadside businesses popping up along Manatee Avenue – kayak, paddleboard, horseback riding and now, Jet Ski rentals.
While the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity (CME) can’t stop the businesses from being there, they are working to reduce the visual impact on the scenic highway. Members met Aug. 10 to discuss improvements planned for the roadside and how they can help reduce the impact of the various businesses that have sprung up along the causeway’s beach areas…
Co-chairs of the committee Ingrid McClellan and Craig Keys said they’d be willing to speak with vendors along the causeway and city of Bradenton code enforcement officials about the proliferation of signage in the area. No advertising signage is allowed on the scenic highway and, while McClellan said they’d been allowing businesses to slide with sandwich board signs, she’s noticed much larger business signs being used, including banners and flag signs that are pushed into the ground.
Members of the group agreed to not allow any business signage on the causeway going forward unless it’s small and a part of a vehicle…”
— Kristin Swain, Anna Maria Island Sun
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