We always have a degree of hope and optimism which is why we get out of bed and drive through the rain to ask our leaders to preserve our springs and rural lands. We are deflated when we learn that they fail us.
This was an important item on the agenda: Request Approval of Letter to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Regarding the Northern Turnpike Extension. Approval granted with willingness to work with the DOT.
Today, Tuesday December 21, the Marion County commissioners met to consider the DOT’s desires to bring a new road through the county. Close to 50 people went to the podium to address the commissioners and all but four of these were strongly opposed to a new road for all the reasons we have seen here in this newsletter.
What we heard today at this meeting brings back memories of spineless locals who have not the gumption to lead anyone or anything. It was especially disheartening to hear Craig Curry and Carl Zalak say how special Marion County is and how wonderful its rural setting is and then have them throw away the opportunity to keep out environmentally destructive roads. And one commissioner was heard to say that this road “inevitably will come.”
For all their talk about “not ripping up” Marion County, this do-nothing board will send a letter to appease and “work with” the DOT to build an unneeded political boondoggle designed to make a few politicians and developers richer.
Mr. Curry said they have no vote but they have a voice. That voice was a tiny whimper today that invites developers to yes, “rip up the county.”
A good day for Mr. Peterffy and those of his ilk. A sad day for Florida and its rural lands, springs and rivers.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
