2017-01 Oppose SB 10RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; OPPOSING SENATE BILL 10, AND ANY SIMILAR OR
SUBSTITUTE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD CAUSE FOR THE PURCHASE
OF UTILIZED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY SOUTH OF LAKE
OKEECHOBEE AND VARY FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES
RESTORATION PROGRAM AND CURRENT EVERGLADES RESTORATION
PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 10 (SB10) was filed during the Florida Legislature's 2017 Session by Senator Rob Bradley
(R- District 5), co- sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R- District 39), and supported by Senator Joe
Negron (R- District 25); and
WHEREAS, SB10 would remove approximately 60,000 acres of production agriculture and eliminate approximately
1,000 jobs in the surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee would request the State of Florida and its agencies to utilize state -owned
properties efficiently for water storage and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee understands the need for increased water quality and reduced nutrient -rich
discharges to both the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal, and a shift to send additional flows
South; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee continues to work with all stakeholders to improve the entire Lake
Okeechobee Watershed with projects related but not limited to nutrient removal of surface waters and
conversion of sanitary septic to centralized septic; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, via the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, the 16 County Coalition, and
other municipal organizations are working cooperatively for projects and solutions which benefit all those
involved.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly
advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: That the City hereby opposes Senate Bill 10 and any similar or substitute legislation that would
cause the purchase of utilized agricultural property South of Lake Okeechobee and vary from the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) and current Everglades restoration
projects underway.
SECTION 2: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution, or
application hereof, is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion or provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions or applications here.
SECTION 4: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 21St day of March, 2017.
ATTEST:
Lane G.miotea; CMC, Cty Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SU ICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2017 -01 PAGE 1 OF 1
Dowling R. W Jr.,yor
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MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Marcos Montes De Oca, Administrator
Subject: Additional Item to March 21, 2017 Agenda
New Business Item G, Exhibit 7
Date: March 21, 2017
Please add to the March 21, 2017 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda,
New Business Item G, Exhibit 7:
Motion to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2017 -01, opposing Florida Senate
Bill 10 — City Administrator (Exhibit 7).
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; OPPOSING SENATE BILL 10, AND ANY SIMILAR OR
SUBSTITUTE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD CAUSE FOR THE PURCHASE
OF UTILIZED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY SOUTH OF LAKE
OKEECHOBEE AND VARY FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES
RESTORATION PROGRAM AND CURRENT EVERGLADES RESTORATION
PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 10 (SB10) was filed during the Florida Legislature's 2017 Session by Senator Rob Bradley
(R- District 5), co- sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R- District 39), and supported by Senator Joe
Negron (R- District 25); and
WHEREAS, SB10 would remove approximately 60,000 acres of production agriculture and eliminate approximately
1,000 jobs in the surrounding communities: and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee would request the State of Florida and its agencies to utilize state -owned
properties efficiently for water storage and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee understands the need for increased water quality and reduced nutrient -rich
discharges to both the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal, and a shift to send additional flows
South; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee continues to work with all stakeholders to improve the entire Lake
Okeechobee Watershed with projects related but not limited to nutrient removal of surface waters and
conversion of sanitary septic to centralized septic; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, via the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, the 16 County Coalition, and
other municipal organizations are working cooperatively for projects and solutions which benefit all those
involved.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly
advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: That the City hereby opposes Senate Bill 10 and any similar or substitute legislation that would
cause the purchase of utilized agricultural property South of Lake Okeechobee and vary from the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) and current Everglades restoration
projects underway.
SECTION 2: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution, or
application hereof, is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion or provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions or applications here.
SECTION 4: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 21S1 day of March, 2017.
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2017 -01 PAGE 1 OF 1
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
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By Senator Bradley
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A bill to be entitled
An act relating to water resources; amending s.
201.15, F.S.; revising the requirements under which
certain bonds may be issued; amending s. 215.618,
F.S.; providing an exception to the requirement that
bonds issued for acquisition and improvement of land,
water areas, and related property interests and
resources be deposited into the Florida Forever Trust
Fund and distributed in a specified manner; creating
s. 373.4598, F.S.; providing legislative findings and
intent; defining terms; requiring the South Florida
Water Management District to seek proposals from
willing sellers of property within the Everglades
Agricultural Area for land that is suitable for the
reservoir project; clarifying that all appraisal
reports, offers, and counteroffers are confidential
and exempt from public records requirements; requiring
the district to assign the Entire Option Property Non -
Exclusive Option of a specified agreement to the Board
of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
under certain circumstances; requiring the district to
retain the agreement's option under certain
circumstances; requiring the board or the district, as
applicable, to exercise the specified option by a
certain date under certain circumstances; providing
requirements for the Proposed Option Property Purchase
Price; authorizing the disposal or exchange of certain
land or interests in land for certain purposes;
requiring the district to begin, seek permitting for,
and construct the reservoir project under certain
circumstances; requiring the district, in coordination
with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, to
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begin the planning study for the reservoir project by
a specified date under certain circumstances;
requiring the district to identify specified lands
under certain circumstances; providing requirements
for the planning study; requiring the district, in
coordination with the United States Army Corps of
Engineers, to seek Congressional authorization for the
reservoir project under certain circumstances;
authorizing certain costs to be funded using Florida
Forever bond proceeds under certain circumstances;
specifying how such bond proceeds shall be deposited;
authorizing the use of state funds for the reservoir
project; requiring the district to seek additional
sources of funding; requiring the district to seek
federal credits under certain circumstances; requiring
the district to request the United States Army Corps
of Engineers, in the Corps' review of the regulation
schedule, to consider any increase in southern outlet
capacity of Lake Okeechobee; amending s. 375.041,
F.S.; increasing the minimum annual funding for
certain Everglades projects under specified
circumstances; requiring the district and the board to
notify the Division of Law Revision and Information by
a certain date of specified land acquisitions;
providing a directive to the division; providing
contingent appropriations; providing effective dates,
one of which is contingent.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
201.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
201.15 Distribution of taxes collected. —All taxes collected
under this chapter are hereby pledged and shall be first made
available to make payments when due on bonds issued pursuant to
s. 215.618 or s. 215.619, or any other bonds authorized to be
issued on a parity basis with such bonds. Such pledge and
availability for the payment of these bonds shall have priority
over any requirement for the payment of service charges or costs
of collection and enforcement under this section. All taxes
collected under this chapter, except taxes distributed to the
Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2),
are subject to the service charge imposed in s. 215.20(1).
Before distribution pursuant to this section, the Department of
Revenue shall deduct amounts necessary to pay the costs of the
collection and enforcement of the tax levied by this chapter.
The costs and service charge may not be levied against any
portion of taxes pledged to debt service on bonds to the extent
that the costs and service charge are required to pay any
amounts relating to the bonds. All of the costs of the
collection and enforcement of the tax levied by this chapter and
the service charge shall be available and transferred to the
extent necessary to pay debt service and any other amounts
payable with respect to bonds authorized before January 1, 2017,
secured by revenues distributed pursuant to this section. All
taxes remaining after deduction of costs shall be distributed as
follows:
(3) Amounts on deposit in the Land Acquisition Trust Fund
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shall be used in the following order:
(a) Payment of debt service or funding of debt service
reserve funds, rebate obligations, or other amounts payable with
respect to Florida Forever bonds issued pursuant to s. 215.618.
The amount used for such purposes may not exceed $300 million in
each fiscal year. It is the intent of the Legislature that all
bonds issued to fund the Florida Forever Act be retired by
December 31, 2040. Except for bonds issued to refund previously
issued bonds, no series of bonds may be issued pursuant to this
paragraph unless such bonds are approved and the debt service
for the remainder of the fiscal year in which the bonds are
issued is specifically appropriated in the General
Appropriations Act or other law with respect to bonds issued for
the purposes of s. 373.4598.
Bonds issued pursuant to s. 215.618 or s. 215.619 are equally
and ratably secured by moneys distributable to the Land
Acquisition Trust Fund.
Section 2. Subsection (5) of section 215.618, Florida
Statutes, is amended to read:
215.618 Bonds for acquisition and improvement of land,
water areas, and related property interests and resources. —
(5) The proceeds from the sale of bonds issued pursuant to
this section, less the costs of issuance, the costs of funding
reserve accounts, and other costs with respect to the bonds,
shall be deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund. The bond
proceeds deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund shall be
distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection as
provided in s. 259.105. This subsection does not apply to
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proceeds from the sale of bonds issued for the purposes of s.
373.4598.
Section 3. Section 373.4598, Florida Statutes, is created
to read:
373.4598 Reservoir project in the Everglades Agricultural
Area.—
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(1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT. —
(a) The Legislature declares that an emergency exists
regarding the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries due to the
harmful freshwater discharges east and west of the lake. Such
discharges have manifested in widespread algae blooms, public
health impacts, and extensive environmental harm to wildlife and
the aquatic ecosystem. These conditions threaten the ecological
integrity of the estuaries and the economic viability of the
state and affected communities.
(b) The Legislature finds that the acquisition of
strategically located lands south of the lake and the
construction of the reservoir project will increase the
availability of water storage and reduce the harmful freshwater
discharges. Additionally, water storage south of the lake will
increase the availability of water for the Everglades and to
meet irrigation demands for the Everglades Agricultural Area;
restore the hydrological connection to the Everglades; and
provide flood protection by reducing, through additional storage
capacity, some of the demands on the Herbert Hoover Dike
(c) The Legislature recognizes that the reservoir project
is authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 as
a project component of CERP. Unless other funding is available,
the Legislature directs the district in implementation of the
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reservoir project to abide by applicable state and federal law
in order to do that which is required to obtain federal credit
under CERP. If the district implements the reservoir project as
a project component as defined in s. 373.1501, the district must
abide by all applicable state and federal law relating to such
projects.
(d) Nothing in this section is intended to diminish the
commitments made by the state in chapter 2016 -201, Laws of
Florida.
(2) DEFINITIONS. —As used in this section, the term:
(a) "Agreement" means the Second Amended and Restated
Agreement for Sale and Purchase between the United States Sugar
Corporation, SBG Farms, Inc., Southern Garden Groves
Corporation, and the South Florida Water Management District,
dated August 12, 2010.
(b) "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Internal
Improvement Trust Fund.
(c) "Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan" or "CERP"
has the same meaning as the term "comprehensive plan" as defined
in s. 373.470.
(d) "District" means the South Florida Water Management
District.
(e) "Everglades Agricultural Area" or "EAA" has the same
meaning as provided in s. 373.4592.
(f) "Lake" means Lake Okeechobee.
(g) "Reservoir project" means a project to construct one or
two above - ground reservoirs that have a total water storage
capacity of approximately 360,000 acre -feet and are located in
the EAA.
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(3) LAND ACQUISITION. —The Legislature declares that
acquiring land for the reservoir project is in the public
interest and that the governing board of the district and the
board may acquire fee title for the purpose of implementing the
reservoir project.
(a) Upon the effective date of this act, the district shall
seek proposals from willing sellers of property within the
Everglades Agricultural Area in order to acquire approximately
60,000 acres of land that is suitable for the reservoir project.
All appraisal reports, offers, and counteroffers are
confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1), as provided in s.
373.139.
(b) If the district does not acquire land pursuant to
paragraph (a) by December 31, 2017:
1. The district must assign, by January 31, 2018, the
agreement's Entire Option Property Non - Exclusive Option to the
board, as authorized in, and in accordance with, the agreement.
If, for any reason, the Seller, as defined in the agreement,
does not find the assignment to be reasonably acceptable in form
and substance, the district must retain the Entire Option
Property Non - Exclusive Option; and
2. The board or the district, whichever holds the option,
must, by March 1, 2018, exercise the option in accordance with
the agreement. The Buyer's Proposed Option Property Purchase
Price, as specified in the agreement, may not be less than the
average of $7,400 per acre, unless the maximum offer allowed by
law is less than the average of $7,400 per acre.
3. The board or the district, if applicable, may dispose of
or exchange any land or lease interest in the land that is
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acquired pursuant to this paragraph in order to achieve optimal
siting for the reservoir project or to dispose of land that is
not necessary for the reservoir project. Any such exchange or
disposition may not be in violation of the agreement.
(4) DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION. —If the district
finds willing sellers of property pursuant to paragraph (3) (a),
the district:
(a) Once the land has been agreed upon for purchase, must
immediately begin the reservoir project with the goal of
providing adequate water storage and conveyance south of the
lake to reduce the volume of regulatory discharges of water from
the lake to the east and west; and
(b) Once the land is acquired, must expeditiously pursue
necessary permitting and begin implementation and construction
of the reservoir project as soon as practicable.
(5) PLANNING STUDY. —
(a) If land is acquired pursuant to paragraph (3) (a) and
other funding is not available, the district must, in
coordination with the United States Army Corps of Engineers,
begin the planning study for the reservoir project by March 1,
2018.
(b) If land is not acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(a) by
December 31, 2017, the district must, in coordination with the
United States Army Corps of Engineers, begin the planning study
for the reservoir project by October 1, 2019.
1. If land is acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(b), the
district must identify which of the acquired land is suitable
for the reservoir project.
2. If land is not acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(b),
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236 the district must identify land that is suitable for the
237 reservoir project and the best option for securing such land.
238 (c) The district, when developing the planning study, must
239 focus on the goal of the reservoir project, which is to provide
240 adequate water storage and conveyance south of the lake to
241 reduce the volume of regulatory discharges of water from the
242 lake to the east and west.
243 (d) Upon completion of the planning study and the
244 finalization of the project implementation report, as defined in
245 s. 373.470, the district, in coordination with the United States
246 Army Corps of Engineers, shall seek Congressional authorization
247 for the reservoir project.
248 (6) FUNDING. -
249 (a) Pursuant to s. 11(e), Art. VII of the State
250 Constitution, state bonds are authorized under this section to
251 finance or refinance the acquisition and improvement of land,
252 water areas, and related property interests and resources for
253 the purposes of conservation, outdoor recreation, water resource
254 development, restoration of natural systems, and historic
255 preservation. In accordance with s. 17, Art. X of the State
256 Constitution, funds deposited into the Everglades Trust Fund may
257 be expended for the purposes of conservation and protection of
258 natural resources in the Everglades Protection Area and the
259 Everglades Agricultural Area.
260 (b) Any cost related to this section, including, but not
261 limited to, the costs for land acquisition, construction, and
262 operation and maintenance, may be funded using proceeds from
263 Florida Forever bonds issued under s. 215.618, as authorized
264 under that section. The Legislature determines that the
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authorization and issuance of such bonds is in the best interest
of the state and determines that the reservoir project should be
implemented. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
proceeds from the sale of such bonds, less the costs of
issuance, the costs of funding reserve accounts, and other costs
with respect to the bonds, shall be deposited in the following
manner:
1. If land is acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(a), the
amount of up to $800 million in bond proceeds in the 2017 -2018
fiscal year to the Everglades Trust Fund for the purposes of
this section, and the amount of up to $400 million in bond
proceeds in the 2018 -2019 fiscal year to the Everglades Trust
Fund for the purposes of this section; or
2. If land is acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(b), the
amount of up to $1.2 billion in bond proceeds in the 2018 -2019
fiscal year to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
Trust Fund, or the Everglades Trust Fund, if applicable, to be
used for the purposes of this section.
(c) Notwithstanding s. 373.026(8)(b) or any other provision
of law, the use of state funds is authorized for the reservoir
project.
(d) The district shall actively seek additional sources of
funding, including federal funding, for the reservoir project.
(e) If the reservoir project receives Congressional
authorization, the district must seek applicable federal credits
toward the state's share of funding the land acquisition and
implementation of the reservoir project.
(7) LAKE OKEECHOBEE REGULATION SCHEDULE. —The district shall
request that the United States Army Corps of Engineers include
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in its evaluation of the regulation schedule for the lake any
increase in outlet capacity south of the lake which offsets the
harmful freshwater discharges to the St. Lucie and
Caloosahatchee estuaries.
Section 4. Effective January 1, 2019, and contingent upon
the failure of the district or board to acquire land by November
30, 2018, pursuant to section 373.4598(3)(a) or (b), Florida
Statutes, subsection (3) of section 375.041, Florida Statutes,
is amended to read:
375.041 Land Acquisition Trust Fund. —
(3) Funds distributed into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund
pursuant to s. 201.15 shall be applied:
(a) First, to pay debt service or to fund debt service
reserve funds, rebate obligations, or other amounts payable with
respect to Florida Forever bonds issued under s. 215.618; and
pay debt service, provide reserves, and pay rebate obligations
and other amounts due with respect to Everglades restoration
bonds issued under s. 215.619; and
(b) Of the funds remaining after the payments required
under paragraph (a), but before funds may be appropriated,
pledged, or dedicated for other uses:
1. A minimum of the lesser of 30 25 percent or $250 $200
million shall be appropriated annually for Everglades projects
that implement the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan as
set forth in s. 373.470, including the Central Everglades
Planning Project subject to Congressional authorization; the
Long -Term Plan as defined in s. 373.4592(2); and the Northern
Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program as set forth in s.
373.4595. From these funds, $32 million shall be distributed
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each fiscal year through the 2023 -2024 fiscal year to the South
Florida Water Management District for the Long -Term Plan as
defined in s. 373.4592(2). After deducting the $32 million
distributed under this subparagraph, from the funds remaining, a
minimum of the lesser of 80 76.5 percent or $150 $100 million
shall be appropriated each fiscal year through the 2025 -2026
fiscal year for the planning, design, engineering, and
construction of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan as
set forth in s. 373.470, including the Everglades Agricultural
Area Storage Reservoir, component G, and including the Central
Everglades Planning Project subject to Congressional
authorization. The Department of Environmental Protection and
the South Florida Water Management District shall give
preference to those Everglades restoration projects that reduce
harmful discharges of water from Lake Okeechobee to the St.
Lucie or Caloosahatchee estuaries in a timely manner. For the
purpose of performing the calculation provided in this
subparagraph, the amount of debt service paid pursuant to
paragraph (a) for bonds issued after July 1, 2016, for the
purposes set forth under paragraph (b) shall be added to the
amount remaining after the payments required under paragraph
(a). The amount of the distribution calculated shall then be
reduced by an amount equal to the debt service paid pursuant to
paragraph (a) on bonds issued after July 1, 2016, for the
purposes set forth under this subparagraph.
2. A minimum of the lesser of 7.6 percent or $50 million
shall be appropriated annually for spring restoration,
protection, and management projects. For the purpose of
performing the calculation provided in this subparagraph, the
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amount of debt service paid pursuant to paragraph (a) for bonds
issued after July 1, 2016, for the purposes set forth under
paragraph (b) shall be added to the amount remaining after the
payments required under paragraph (a). The amount of the
distribution calculated shall then be reduced by an amount equal
to the debt service paid pursuant to paragraph (a) on bonds
issued after July 1, 2016, for the purposes set forth under this
subparagraph.
3. The sum of $5 million shall be appropriated annually
each fiscal year through the 2025 -2026 fiscal year to the St
Johns River Water Management District for projects dedicated to
the restoration of Lake Apopka. This distribution shall be
reduced by an amount equal to the debt service paid pursuant to
paragraph (a) on bonds issued after July 1, 2016, for the
purposes set forth in this subparagraph.
Section 5. The South Florida Water Management District and
the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
shall notify the Division of Law Revision and Information no
later than December 1, 2018, whether they have acquired land
pursuant to s. 373.4598, Florida Statutes.
Section 6. The Division of Law Revision and Information is
directed to replace the phrase "the effective date of this act"
wherever it occurs in this act with the date the act becomes a
law.
Section 7. Contingent upon bonds being issued for the
purposes of s. 373.4598, Florida Statutes, and if land is
acquired pursuant to s. 373.4598(3)(a), Florida Statutes, the
sum of $64,000,000 in recurring funds from the Land Acquisition
Trust Fund is appropriated for the 2017 -2018 fiscal year to pay
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debt service on bonds that implement this act and are issued
pursuant to s. 215.618, Florida Statutes.
Section 8. Contingent upon bonds being issued for the
purposes of s. 373.4598, Florida Statutes, and if land is
acquired pursuant to s. 373.4598(3) (a), Florida Statutes, the
sum of $36,000,000 in recurring funds from the Land Acquisition
Trust Fund is appropriated for the 2018 -2019 fiscal year to pay
debt service on bonds that implement this act and are issued
pursuant to s. 215.618, Florida Statutes.
Section 9. Contingent upon bonds being issued for the
purposes of s. 373.4598, Florida Statutes, and if land is
acquired pursuant to s. 373.4598(3)(b), Florida Statutes, the
sum of $100,000,000 in recurring funds from the Land Acquisition
Trust Fund is appropriated for the 2018 -2019 fiscal year to pay
debt service on bonds that implement this act and are issued
pursuant to s. 215.618, Florida Statutes.
Section 10. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
act, this act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE THIRD AVENUE
OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
Phone: (863)763 -3372
www. cityofokeechobee. com
Okeechobee City Council
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Noel Chandler
Monica Clark
Mike O'Connor
Gary Ritter
March 23, 2017
Senator Anitere Flores
404 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399 -1 100
RE: Senate Bill 10
Dear Senator Flores,
Please find the attached resolution in regards to your proposed legislation. Although you are not a
representative of our region, the agricultural and employment and economic impacts directly affect our
area.
We, the City of Okeechobee, are OPPOSED to Senate Bill 10 and feel that the previously identified
avenues for restoration should be followed. It is also of our mindset that the state should utilize its current
and holdings to their highest and best use for water quality treatment before removing additional lands
from the tax rolls, as well as continuing on the restoration guidelines and projects specifically identified in
the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP).
As a municipality whose namesake is Lake Okeechobee and acknowledging we are part of the
headwaters for the Everglades, we feel we can be part of a much more diversified solution. Projects
currently are in process to remove excess nutrients in our stormwater runoff and a push for the
elimination of septic systems and connections to centralized sanitary systems.
We also greatly support the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, which includes the City of Sanibel,
City of Stuart and others pending its adoption. Although we are a small part of the region overall with the
assistance of each stakeholder, we can achieve results to both balance our natural resources and our
ever growing population.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Mayor
Enclosure
CC: Senator Denise Grimsley
Representative Cary Pigman
Okeechobee City Council
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; OPPOSING SENATE BILL 10, AND ANY SIMILAR OR
SUBSTITUTE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD CAUSE FOR THE PURCHASE
OF UTILIZED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY SOUTH OF LAKE
OKEECHOBEE AND VARY FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES
RESTORATION PROGRAM AND CURRENT EVERGLADES RESTORATION
PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY: AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 10 (SB10) was filed during the Florida Legislature's 2017 Session by Senator Rob Bradley
(R- District 5), co- sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R- District 39), and supported by Senator Joe
Negron (R- District 25); and
WHEREAS, SB10 would remove approximately 60,000 acres of production agriculture and eliminate approximately
1,000 jobs in the surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee would request the State of Florida and its agencies to utilize state -owned
properties efficiently for water storage and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee understands the need for increased water quality and reduced nutrient -rich
discharges to both the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal, and a shift to send additional flows
South; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee continues to work with all stakeholders to improve the entire Lake
Okeechobee Watershed with projects related but not limited to nutrient removal of surface waters and
conversion of sanitary septic to centralized septic; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, via the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, the 16 County Coalition, and
other municipal organizations are working cooperatively for projects and solutions which benefit all those
involved.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly
advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council: and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: That the City hereby opposes Senate Bit 10 and any similar or substitute legislation that would
cause the purchase of utilized agricultural property South of Lake Okeechobee and vary from the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERF) and current Everglades restoration
projects underway.
SECTION 2: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution, or
application hereof, is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion or provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions or applications here.
SECTION 4: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 21St day of March, 2017.
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea; CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
RESOLUTION No. 2017 -01 PAGE 1 OF 1
Dowling R Watford, Jr., Mayor
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE THIRD AVENUE
OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
Phone: (863)763 -3372
www.citygfokeechobee.com
Okeechobee City Council
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Noel Chandler
Monica Clark
Mike O'Connor
Gary Ritter
March 23, 2017
Senator Rob Bradley
414 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399 -1100
RE: Senate Bill 10
Dear Senator Bradley,
Please find the attached resolution in regards to your proposed legislation. Although you are not a
representative of our region, the agricultural and employment and economic impacts directly affect our
area.
We, the City of Okeechobee, are OPPOSED to Senate Bill 10 and feel that the previously identified
avenues for restoration should be followed. It is also of our mindset that the state should utilize its current
land holdings to their highest and best use for water quality treatment before removing additional lands
from the tax rolls, as well as continuing on the restoration guidelines and projects specifically identified in
the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP).
As a municipality whose namesake is Lake Okeechobee and acknowledging we are part of the
headwaters for the Everglades, we feel we can be part of a much more diversified solution. Projects
currently are in process to remove excess nutrients in our stormwater runoff and a push for the
elimination of septic systems and connections to centralized sanitary systems.
We also greatly support the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, which includes the City of Sanibel,
City of Stuart and others pending its adoption. Although we are a small part of the region overall with the
assistance of each stakeholder, we can achieve results to both balance our natural resources and our
ever growing population.
Sincerely,
Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Mayor
Enclosure
CC: Senator Denise Grimsley
Representative Cary Pigman
Okeechobee City Council
RESOLUTION NO. 2017.01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; OPPOSING SENATE BILL 10, AND ANY SIMILAR OR
SUBSTITUTE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD CAUSE FOR THE PURCHASE
OF UTILIZED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY SOUTH OF LAKE
OKEECHOBEE AND VARY FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES
RESTORATION PROGRAM AND CURRENT EVERGLADES RESTORATION
PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY: AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 10 (SB10) was fled during the Florida Legislature's 2017 Session by Senator Rob Bradley
(R- District 5), co- sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R- District 39), and supported by Senator Joe
Negron (R- District 25); and
WHEREAS, SB10 would remove approximately 50,000 acres of production agriculture and eliminate approximately
1,000 jobs in the surrou;nd'ng communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee would request the State of Florida and its agencies to utilize state -owned
properties efficiently for water storage and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee understands the need for increased water quality and reduced nutrient -rich
discharges to both the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal, and a shift to send additional flows
South; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee continues to work with at stakeholders to improve the entire Lake
Okeechobee Watershed with projects related but not limited to nutrient removal of surface waters and
conversion of sanitary septic to centralized septic; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee; via the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact, the 18 County Coalition, and
other municipal organizations are working cooperatively for projects and solutions which benefit all those
involved.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly
advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: That the City hereby opposes Senate Bit 10 and any similar or substitute legislation that would
cause the purchase of utilized agricultural property South of Lake Okeechobee and vary from the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) and current Everglades restoration
projects underway.
SECTION 2: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution, or
application hereof, is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion or provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions or applications here.
SECTION 4: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 21St day of March, 2017,
ATTEST:
Lane Gdmiotea; CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
.t�
RESOLUTION No. 2017-0 PAGE 1 OF 1
Dowling R. Wafford, Jra, Mayor