Studies Show Florida Outlook Still Sunny

Florida is projected to double in population and add another seven million acres in farms, forests and rural lands in the next 50 years, according to a new report.

That’s the forecast unless state lawmakers take a more pro-active approach with growth management, according to a special interest group, 1000 Friends of Florida. But the panhandle is expected to fair far better than much of the rest of the state.

The environmental group commissioned two independent studies to detail the state’s growth issues with St. Joe Company, Florida’s largest land owner and developer, A. Duba and Sons, a major agribusiness, and The Nature Conservancy, an environmental group.

Present laws call for only a 10-year comprehensive plan for counties throughout the state, but the Vice President of 1000 Friends says it’s only wise to plan for the long run.

"The governor and Legislature should say ‘Here’s where we’re really trying to go in 100 years,"’ Tim Jackson said. "‘What are the lands we ought to protect? What’s the form and character of communities that we ought to protect and preserve, and what form and where do we want new growth to happen?"’

Florida House Environment and Natural Resources Council Chairman Stan Mayfield, R-Vero Beach isn’t in full agreement with the proposals, especially those that might affect property rights.

"The 1000 Friends of Florida 2060 population scenario is a useful look into what the future could be if we don’t take planning and plan implementation seriously," said state Department of Community Affairs spokeswoman Alexis Antonacci.

Despite the state’s numerous hurricanes in 2004 and 2005, there are still an estimated 1,000 people a day moving to the Sunshine State.

One of the studies by the University of Florida’s GeoPlan Center forecasts the state’s population will double to 36 million by 2060 and utilize up 2.7 million acres each of agricultural land and natural habitat.

Only the Panhandle, where Destin and South Walton are located would retain major areas of open space. Neither the threat of hurricanes or higher insurance rates are expected to slow Florida’s growth over the long run, according to the studies.