Florida Buys $300 Million In Land For The Environment — And Developers

"It’s a historic win for the environment, but “we’re not going to pop the champagne just yet,” one environmentalist said."

"TALLAHASSEE — One of the rare bipartisan highlights of Florida’s legislative session this year was the decision to spend $300 million buying up land for conservation.

Republicans, Democrats and environmentalists called it a boon for the environment, helping save thousands of acres of land in Florida’s delicate wildlife corridors from development.

The result could be a boon to landowners and developers as well.

The fine print in this year’s budget includes a stipulation that some environmentalists fear could spur development in the state’s wetlands."

Lawrence Mower reports for the Tampa Bay Times July 26, 2021.