New Growth Management Laws Discussed at Forum

Commissioner Santamaria

Commissioner Santamaria

Rep. Mark Pafford - District 88

Joanne Davis - 1000 Friends of Florida

(l-r) Commissioner Santamaria, Rep. Mark Pafford, Todd Bonlarron and Lorenzo Aghemo

Commissioner Jess Santamaria held his monthly community forum on May 18 at the original Wellington Mall. The main discussion topics were major changes to Florida’s growth management rules and regulations, and new county ordinances expanding the jurisdiction of the Office of Inspector General and the Commission on Ethics.

Taking turns explaining the local ramifications of state lawmakers’ overhaul of the Growth Management Act were PBC Legislative Affairs Director Todd Bonlarron, state Rep. Mark Pafford, and Joanne Davis, a community planner with 1000 Friends of Florida.

“To say this was sweeping legislation in terms of growth management would be an understatement,” said Bonlarron.

“This is not good news what happened in Tallahassee,” added Davis, breaking down a lengthy list of developer-friendly changes in the law.

PBC Planning Director Lorenzo Aghemo gave an update on the status of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) for the county’s comprehensive plan. The EAR is required every seven years and must be completed by October 1.

Commissioner Santamaria and Administrative Aide Dennis Lipp provided an overview of newly adopted ethics ordinances that encompass elected officials and employees of all 38 municipalities in the county. The measures, approved by voters in November, take effect June 1.