Taylor County Marina

[Flats Rascal]

Decision on Taylor marina up to Cabinet, Bush

By Bruce Ritchie
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER



A proposed marina and resort in Taylor County will have to go before the governor and Cabinet for approval.

A Pinellas County developer is proposing to dredge a two-mile long channel offshore through the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. The proposed Magnolia Bay Resort and Marina also would include 624 condominiums, 874 hotel or motel rooms and 280,000 square feet of commercial space.


Supporters say the project will bring needed tourists to Taylor County. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has asked for more information from the developer on how the aquatic preserve can be protected.

The Taylor County Commission on Tuesday approved a development agreement that addresses roads, sewage and stormwater treatment and requires land for additional parking at a county boat ramp. The agreement also acknowledges economic benefits and states that changes in the land-use designation is required.

DEP Secretary Colleen Castille has confirmed that the permit application will go before the Cabinet "because it is an issue of heightened public concern," DEP spokeswoman Sarah P. Williams said Wednesday.

The Suwannee River Water Management District, which is handling the permit application, has asked landowner J. Crayton Pruitt of St. Petersburg to provide additional information by Nov. 22.

Meanwhile, opponents said they objected to being told by the Taylor County Commission on Tuesday that they could discuss only the proposed agreement and not the overall project. The agreement was adopted 5-0.

"It's typical Taylor County," opponent Rick Causey said Wednesday. "It's back to ramming stuff down people's throats whether you want it or not."

Taylor County Commission Chairman Daryll Gunter said he cut off public comment by opponents and supporters. He said the agreement was being discussed and it wasn't a public hearing on the development.

"In no way can this document be construed as an endorsement for this project," Gunter said.

An attorney for Pruitt's development firm said he was pleased with the commission's action.

[Ty one on]

Somebody needs to be looking into "Blasting Permits" too.

Nothing can be simply dredged through that part of the coastline.
Two mile canal with two miles of blasting rock and excavation.

[catchin1]

The last thing FL needs is more condo's and waterfront housing. They need to protect the pristine waters they have left.

[RHTFISH]

The last thing FL needs is more condo's and waterfront housing. They need to protect the pristine waters they have left.

AMEN!