'Right thing to do': Florida lawmakers hit pause on controversial 'Blue Ribbon Projects' bill

A controversial development bill in the Florida legislature hit a pause Thursday. Lawmakers were expected to vote on what is ...

‘Blue Ribbon’ development bill narrowly survives Senate committee vote

Despite strong criticism from Republicans, a proposal that would incentivize intense development in rural areas of the state ...
Florida Politics

Blue Ribbon Projects bill teed up for potential nail-biter Senate vote

A House version of the bill ( HB 299) from Rep. Lauren Melo cleared its final Committee last week and also now awaits a floor vote, though it has yet to be scheduled. The Senate preemptively placed ...
E&E News

‘Blue ribbon’ projects bill advances despite chair’s impassioned opposition

"I have grave concerns about the processes outlined in the bill," state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo said of the legislation, which would set aside 60 percent of ...
Florida Politics

House ‘Blue Ribbon’ projects land preservation bill takes next step toward passage

The bill ( HB 299) from Rep. Lauren Melo offers a framework supporters say better aligns growth, conservation and infrastructure planning. It would establish “Blue Ribbon” projects, which would apply ...

Florida bill allows large developments to avoid local land-use rules

This could really hammer places like Martin County with wide-open spaces that could be opened up to development.” ...
Opinion

Commentary: ‘Blue-ribbon’ bills roll out red carpet for rampant development

They’re working hard in Tallahassee right now to fast-track approval for massive developments on city-sized parcels of 10,000 acres or more with limited community input or local planning, just a giant ...