St. Augustine Report

Published by former Mayor George Gardner February 4 2012

The Report is an independent publication serving our community.

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George Gardner 57 Fullerwood Drive St. Augustine FL 32084

Senate action

now the focus

Senator Stephen R. Wise is now the focus for progress on the Bill Proctor legislation.

Wise is both Senate sponsor for the companion bill, SB 1348, and chair of the Senate Education Pre-K - 12 Committee, which must first review the bill before referring it to Community Affairs and Budget committees.

Wise has not scheduled the bill for Monday's (February 6) committee meeting, Chief Legislative Assistant Dee Alexander told a St. Augustine delegation, and time may run out before it can clear the required three committees to go to the Senate floor.

The procedure makes emails and calls to Senator Wise all the more important. He can be reached at by email or (850) 487-5027

Senator Wise's district includes parts of Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

I ran for the Legislature

in 2003 on this issue'

St. Augustine Record reporter Peter Guinta's story on a legislative hearing last Wednesday, during which State Rep. Bill Proctor said he ran for the legislature to get an eminent domain bill passed for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, drew some pointed online comments from readers:

Proctor says he ran on this issue? On giving FSDB eminent domain power? Really? We elected Proctor so he could pass an eminent domain bill at the end of his term?

We elected Proctor so he could pass an eminent domain bill at the end of his term? No, "we" elected Proctor because there was an R after his name.

In response to bill sponsor Rep. Douglas Broxson comment that eminent domain is "just another tool in the toolbox."

Yes, and my tool box is full of tools and they are there because I use them regularly, otherwise I would not have bothered to acquire them.

And from City Commissioner Bill Leary, on public comment from St. Augustine residents who traveled to Tallahassee being reduced to 30 seconds:

Guinta is wrong in saying the trip by this group of citizens was "for naught." Yes, as expected, the bill passed this House Committee, but those opposed to this legislation found new support and have created even more doubt in Tallahassee regarding the wisdom of its becoming law. More importantly, the outrageous manner in which our citizens were mistreated is but further evidence of the arrogance behind this bill. These citizens are to be congratulated and I am extremely proud of them. By their mistreatment, our resolve is strengthened to bring these matters back to St. Augustine for resolution where they belong.

A Call to Action

City Commissioner: 'Spread the word'

City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline, tracking progress on state legislation to give the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind power of eminent domain, is urging residents to "spread the word (to) help our efforts aimed at stopping this travesty."

And Nelmar Terrace's Melinda Rakoncay emailed, "Senator (Stephen) Wise controls the bill (SB 1348) at this point and can keep it from coming to the floor.

"I am told he is a man who listens to the concerns of the people, and is not comfortable pushing a bill through that is unpopular," Rakoncay wrote. "So we need to let him know how unpopular this is in our community.

"Everyone needs to send him a heartfelt e-mail, letter, or phone call. He has the power to stop this. Wouldn't that be a great victory for the little guy?"

wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov (850) 487-5027

30 seconds in Tallahassee

The surprise US air attack on Japan in 1942 caused negligible material damage to Japan, but succeeded in helping American morale and casting doubt on the ability of the Japanese military leaders.

The early morning drive to Tallahassee Wednesday for an 8 am House committee hearing on an eminent domain bill for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) didn't prevent the committee's recommending the bill, but likely turned some votes in the 12-6 tally, also acknowledged in committee member comments that calls and emails from St. Augustine are reaching them, and got word of the city's concern directly to 18 members of the State Legislature.

And the action of Committee Chair Dorothy L. Hukill, limiting the St. Augustine delegation to 30 seconds each for comment, "probably did more to highlight this legislative travesty than anything we could have said," delegation member and former Mayor George Gardner said.

Tallahassee hearing video

The official video of Wednesday's House Economic Affairs Committee hearing on HB 1037, State Rep. Bill Proctor's effort get power of eminent domain for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind can be viewed on this website.

All but the final minutes were consumed in debate on other bills. The presentation of the bill begins at minute 147 on the video, and includes comments by Proctor, opposition to the bill from State Rep.Doc Renuart, and the abbreviated public comment period for city residents who attended the hearing.

The St. Augustine Report is published weekly, with additional Reports previewing City Commission meetings as well as Special Reports. The Report is written and distributed by George Gardner, St. Augustine Mayor (2002-2006) and Commissioner (2006-2008) and a former newspaper reporter and editor. Contact the Report at gardner@aug.com