Photo: Resident Community News
“Tall, black, monolithic poles are starting to crop up in Riverside…
Photo: Resident Community News
To work effectively, the towers must be spaced close to each other, approximately 200 feet apart, said District 14 City Councilwoman Randy Defoor…”
— Marcia Hodgson, Resident Community News
Read entire article
Photo: Molly Reed, WKMG News 6 Orlando
“Residents who had been fighting to stop planned development along a beloved scenic route in Volusia County have won their battle.
The county council on Tuesday voted to buy 36 acres of historic land on the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail.
‘The public literally rose up and supported this project,’ Founder of Dream Green Volusia Suzanne Scheiber said.
Scheiber’s organization handed out over 600 yard-signs and collected 71,000 signatures in hopes to save the land from development.
‘If you drive the loop today you can see all of the developments, you can see all the traffic and you can see the loss of wildlife habitat,’ she said.
Scheiber was able to get the developer of the plantation oaks subdivision to sell 36 acres to the county for $988,000. The organization raised money to help with that cost, too.
‘We raised collectively with North Florida Land Trust $26,250,’ she said.
On Tuesday, the council voted to do that, after the county ECHO committee approved the land as historic with portions of Old King’s Road running through it.
‘Old Kings Road was built by the British in the 1700s and it was called an engineering treasure and one of the most important roadways in the growth of Florida,’ Dona Butler with the county’s community services said…”
— Molly Reed, WKMG News 6 Orlando
Read entire article
Photo: Cindy Peterson
“…While the main building will stand, other buildings will be razed on the five-acre site, including a large brick building just north of the main building…
Plans meet four city goals and requirements…remove blight, fit in with the city’s Historic District, and be compatible with the Downtown Master Plan and surrounding zoning.
Currently, the rundown buildings are an eyesore and a sometime home for vagrants and homeless people.
The back-and-forth sales and proposals for the old school site are almost as historic as the building, which was erected in 1915.
Former mayor and president of the Leesburg Heritage Society, Sanna Henderson, is onboard with the plan.”
— Frank Stanfield, Daily Commercial
Read entire article
“Explore Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas through a unique scavenger hunt experience!
From May 1 – 9, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a series of scavenger hunts on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state. With the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app, you can go on a wild adventure at your local WMA and discover some of Florida’s best spots to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
Go on a WildQuest scavenger hunt with your family, friends or as a solo adventurer. Use the app to record photos and videos, responding to fun prompts and earning points as you go…”
Some of the featured Wildlife Management Areas:
Babcock/Webb
Big Bend–Tide Swamp
Fisheating Creek
Guana River
L. Kirk Edwards
Chinsegut
Tosohatchee
— Florida Nature Trackers
“One of 1000 Friends’ foundational priorities is to help build better communities in Florida.
But SB 284 /HB 55, entitled Building Design, would take yet another tool away from local governments. This legislation seeks to remove local government authority to regulate building design in many areas, although designated local historic districts, Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) districts, and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) are exempt.
The bill would:
• Take away the authority of local governments to work with citizens to protect the character of certain neighborhoods and districts important to the community’s character.
• Undermine local economic development efforts that capitalize on the unique character of distinctive areas in the community.
• Remove the ability of neighborhoods and local governments to promote neighborhood reinvestment through maintaining neighborhood character.”
— 1000 Friends of Florida