The Everglades-adjacent islands will remain under close watch by state government at least until 2009.
"Aided by a group of powerful Republicans, environmentalists won a major fight Monday to keep a lid on development in the fragile habitat of the Florida Keys -- at least for now.
A coalition of environmental groups won enough votes from a state Senate committee to keep the Keys under close state scrutiny until 2009 to ensure that the water is cleaned up, the environment protected, more affordable housing built and building proceeds slow enough to keep roads clear for safe hurricane evacuations."
Longer protection is "exactly what 1,000 Friends of Florida, Audubon of Florida and the World Wildlife Fund wanted when they picked up enough votes on the Senate Environmental Preservation Committee to either kill the bill or shape it to their liking. Joining them were a few Republican big guns: former Everglades czar Allison DeFoor, power lawyer Thom Rumberger of the Everglades Trust and Keys fishing guide Mike Collins, a South Florida Water Management District appointee of Gov. Jeb Bush.
They predicted a 'stampede of development' were the state to undo designation of the Keys next year -- before the County Commission had a chance to clearly demonstrate that it would continue building affordable housing as well as a central sewer system to stop leaky cesspits from fouling the water."
FULL STORY: Developers dealt a setback

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.

‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
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