Letter to the Governor
Dear Governor Bush,
I am writing to solicit your help in a matter of grave importance for the environment. It concerns the ecologically fragile Rainbow River in Dunnellon Florida, in Marion County.
There is a development plan to build 350 new homes on a tract of land along the river, and the construction of 28 new boat docks on a stretch of the river that has very little current flow. The name of this development is the Rainbow River Ranch.
This project has been very controversial, but has progressed with very little input from concerned citizens. It has been championed by the mayor and the city council of the town, as well as State Senator Nancy Argenziano, but has never been put to a referendum. The town itself consists of less than two thousand people, but the surrounding areas comprise ten times that number, and many people are opposed to the project, but have no voice in the matter. Appeals to Senator Argenziano have not been answered, and she has, in fact, made it clear that she is in favor of the development.
The matter is now nearing final approval by the D.E.P. and the D.C.A. At a recent meeting, held between these agencies and the cabal representing the developer (the developer’s representative, the town mayor, Senator Argenziano), the honorable Senator tried to intimidate and bully the State’s representatives in a most unseemly manner. I would quote her directly, but no minutes of this quasi-secret meeting were taken. We believe that this is a possible violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law, and are also contacting the State Attorney’s Office to find out if any laws were broken.
It is my hope that you can direct the heads of these state agencies to remain independent, and to judge this development plan on it’s merits, and it’s mortal impact on the Rainbow River. I don’t think I need remind you of the history of developers and local politicians in Florida. It has unfortunately been a sordid symbiosis based on graft and corruption, and the environment has been the big loser in many cases.
The Rainbow River is a precious jewel, and must be protected for future generations. We urge you to get involved in this matter, and add it to your legacy as an environmental Governor.
As the publisher of a small hometown website, and a third-generation Floridian, I have dedicated myself to this endeavor, and will do whatever is necessary to see that this river system is preserved in a pristine condition. I implore you to take a hand in helping us stave off this development, which will ruin one of Florida’s most important resources.
Should you need further information, I am at your disposal. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cordially,
Robert R. Burke
Publisher
Dunnellon Online
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We didn't receive a reply from the governor, but we did receive one from an official at the Department of Environmental Protection. The governor's office referred the inquiry to them. It follows below.
Mr. Burke:
Thank you for your recent email correspondence to Governor Bush concerning development adjacent to the Rainbow River, near Dunnellon. The Governor’s Office forwarded your message to this office for response. Please be assured that the Department of Environmental Protection is critically aware of the ecological sensitivity of the Rainbow River. As the manager of Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve – which together comprise 1,721 acres and include 2.4 miles of riverfront property – the Department is firmly committed to the sustained protection of the Rainbow River.
The Department is evaluating the Rainbow River Ranch project on its own merit and has engaged knowledgeable Department and water management district staff to obtain detailed site-specific data and information on the sensitive riverine resources. In our role as a commenting agency to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), we have provided that agency with information and recommendations regarding appropriate protection measures for the natural resources within and adjacent to the river. We are also working with the developer to address the project concerns identified by the Department and will continue to work with DCA during its negotiations with the City of Dunnellon.
Governor Bush and the Department appreciate the involvement of knowledgeable citizens in our ongoing efforts to protect the extraordinary resources of this state. Should you have additional information that you would like to share concerning the proposed project, please contact Mr. Jim Quinn or me at (850) 245-2163.
Yours sincerely,
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Sally B. Mann, Director
Office of Intergovernmental Programs
Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 47
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
Telephone: (850) 245-2163
Facsimile: (850) 245-2189
E-mail: Sally.Mann@dep.state.fl.us