Editorial: Three cheers for HB-7
Michael Gold, Editor
Historic City News
For years I have bemoaned Florida’s “Printed Newspaper Protection Act”, sections 50.011 and 50.031, Florida Statutes, that created a monopoly for mullet wrappers across the state.
The City of St Augustine will no longer have a director of public affairs. In fact, when Historic City News received the Press Release announcing the retirement of 65-year-old Public Affairs Director Paul Williamson, the City disclosed that it will no longer have a Public Affairs Department. Not that the City isn’t going to have a regular need for “damage control” to spin their mistakes and malevolent management, the city manager must think he can get along a little longer by describing sea level rise as “sunny day flooding”.
The greatest consultant in the world has provided me the answers to my future. I imagine it is the same consultant that the city manager in St Augustine has been using to get by for the last 25-years.
Jeffrey D. Kottkamp
Florida’s 17th Lieutenant Governor
Special to Historic City News
Last week we paused to give thanks for our blessings including the blessing of living in the greatest country in the history of mankind. We also remember absent loved ones — many of whom fought and died to preserve our liberty and freedom during their remarkable lives.
Michael Gold, Editor in Chief
HISTORIC CITY NEWS
This week the St Johns County Commission handled the people’s business with distinction. In a couple of bold moves that restored my faith in the ability of our elected officials to do the right thing for the right reason, I applaud Chairman Jeb Smith and newcomer Jeremiah Blocker.
Historic City News obtained a copy of a recent email sent by Mayor Nancy Shaver to St Augustine Mayor Tracy Upchurch upon their return from the American Flood Coalition Summit in Washington, DC. Mayor Shaver, who was elected, and twice re-elected by citizens who respected her ability to address tough problems, spent much of her energy on what she sees as one of the greatest dangers to the city, its business owners, property owners, and residents — sea level rise.
Ann B. Shortelle, Ph.D., Executive Director
St. Johns River Water Management District
Dear Historic City News editor:
The St. Johns River Water Management District wants Historic City News readers to know that we have launched a new, year-long “Water Less” campaign to help raise awareness about water conservation and to communicate easy ways to integrate outdoor water conservation into our daily lives without sacrificing curb appeal.
Last year as the five members of the St Augustine City Commission left for their typical Christmas and New Years holiday “break”, the 14,000 citizens who call the city home had no idea that under the cover of darkness there was betrayal afoot.
