Ryan Ballogg

Unfortunately, yesterday, without the usual photo ops and fanfare, the Governor signed the destructive #SB180 into law. What was otherwise a very solid bill to manage post-storm emergencies was hijacked as a trojan horse to carry this terrible language pushed by a single #ManateeCounty developer. When you're stuck with zero foot wetland buffers in spite of a 7-0 vote to revert back to 50 feet, thank Tallahassee. When you're stuck with Policy 2.1.2.8 allowing for potential development east of our development boundary, thank Tallahassee. When our comprehensive plan update continues to be delayed and rewritten due to state agencies, thank Tallahassee. When your hands are tied and your local government cannot make sensible, home rule changes to how development occurs in our own community, be sure to reach out and thank your State for removing any future voice you thought you had in how your local community grows. Now the awful language we've been dealing with from SB250 is extended until at least Oct 2027 and, due to new recuring triggers after each storm, it's most likely extended into perpetuity. I was really hoping @GovRonDeSantis would see through this and veto SB180 over this added language, but I guess that was a bit too much wishful thinking.