From the Tampa Tribune:
Once again, Florida Forever, the land preservation program that is one of the state’s most effective initiatives, is in danger of going unfunded….It was damaging enough the popular program was not funded last year for the first time in its history. Another year of neglect would signal landowners that the state is not serious about acquisition and could jeopardize the program’s existence. The state also would be missing an opportunity to capitalize on declining land prices….Florida Forever isn’t only about shielding springs, forests and fragile coastal areas from development and providing recreational opportunities. It is a critical investment in the economy. Renewed funding has been endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which notes that the state’s economic future is dependent on a “knowledge workforce” and those workers value a “high quality of life, sustainable communities and a commitment to the environment.”