Reply #14: Ah, yes, the "floodplains" in which developers have built with impunity. [View All]

[madfloridian]

In Jeb's Florida, and even earlier than that, they got away with it. There was a lake I remember from my childhood here called Lake Deeson. It had a wonderful pavilion, a place where families had picnics on the week-ends, and church groups as well.

One day about 10 years ago, it made the news. I had not realized it had long ago become a dry lake bed with expensive homes built in it. I never go to that part of town, and I had not paid attention.

I believe the developers got away without penalty. Building in a lake bed is a sin.

Also in our town Beef O'Brady's sunk into the ground during Jeanne, along with two other businesses. Since I am a native Lakelander, I know for a fact that they were built on a long ago phosphate pit which had been filled with the community's debris in the late 50's and 60s. I know, because I taught the kids of this well-known developer here, and we had parties at their home. I remember peering down into the pit which was filled with such goodies as garbage and furniture.

Homes were built on it in the 70s, no one said a word. Then came the businesses like Outback, Steak and Ale, and Beef O'Brady's. Now the homes are cracked and the businesses are sinking. Where is the outrage.

Your point about Jeb cutting back even more is what scares me. FEMA funding for emergency preparation in the area of natural occurrences has been cut...seems to be Homeland Security oriented now.

I think we are in a mess here.