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“Hillsborough residents with homes built before June 18, 1980, can get reduced flood insurance rates if they hurry.” — FEMA Updates Flood Maps

“Teachers in Central Florida public schools are headed back to the classroom this year without a pay raise.” — Teachers ‘not going to get a penny’ in raises

“Gov. Charlie Crist told state agency heads Thursday that he wants construction projects sped up so more money can be pumped into the sluggish state economy.” — ‘Accelerate Florida’ With Construction, Crist Says

Bonus:

Now the true costs start… “The construction of two new roads that could help relieve traffic problems that the planned CSX rail freight terminal will make worse should be top priorities for seeking state road funds, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization agreed Thursday.” — CSX Project Pushes 2 Roads Higher on Construction Request

“On Aug. 29, Garcia and thousands of other Spanish-speaking Hispanics in Central Florida will read El Nuevo Dia for the last time.” — Spanish daily El Nuevo Dia Orlando about to fold

One of the sillier editorials you’ll read. Don’t miss the reader comments. “District 19 deserves better than Mr. Siplin. But a weak opponent compels us to endorse Gary Siplin in the Aug. 26 Democratic primary.” — A weak primary opponent compels us to endorse the senator

Note: MI4’s Don’t Miss column will be missing in action this weekend. See you Monday.

“Amid a foreclosure crisis and sour economy, the number of homeless families is growing. In Seminole County alone, more than 600 school-age children are expected to spend at least part of the year in motels, shelters or even tents in the woods, according to a new report. An additional 450 homeless children in the county are younger than 5, officials estimate.” — Number of homeless families grows amid foreclosure crisis

“The campaign to wipe out most school property taxes in Florida moved to a courtroom Wednesday, with an openly skeptical state judge raising the possibility that the ambitious tax plan could be torpedoed before it ever reaches voters.” — Judge has issue with wording of Amendment 5 tax ballot

“The Central Florida Regional Planning Council on Wednesday approved the proposed 318-acre rail terminal site in southern Winter Haven. The approval, with 61 conditions on traffic, the environment and other factors, has been forwarded to the city of Winter Haven.” — Planning Council Approves CSX Project

“Remember the scene in “Airplane II, The Sequel” where two airport security guards get their kicks watching a special camera “undress” female passengers? We laughed about it then, but real-world technology that peeks under your clothes is now headed to Tampa International Airport, and it’s nothing to smile about.” — A Step Too Far For Airport Scanners

Writer’s Note: Let me thank commenter Sean Wright for his extensive contributions. One point of clarification, though, in response to this line: “I believe this article highlight’s why you’re writing for a small town newspaper.” For the record, I don’t write for a newspaper, small or otherwise, which is why you are reading this on a blog. Most people could probably infer that on their own, but I’m here to help.

OK. I promise not to say anything too snarky or gratuitous today. It’s all business. I want to address a key line of rhetorical attack that Ms. Healy and some of our friends and neighbors in the Winter Haven government and chamber and Orlando area have used throughout this saga.

Here it is, distilled, in a quote from Ms. Healy’s most recent column:

“Instead of representing voters in Osceola, [Paula Dockery] seems far more concerned about pleasing trial attorneys and labor unions, and about the possibility of a few extra freight trains in her hometown of Lakeland.” (emphasis mine)

Put aside the dirty trial lawyers and awful working people for now, let’s consider this “just a few trains” line. Take a close look (you too, Bob) at the two property appraiser images pictures that accompany this post.

Those parallel lines you see running through the heart of downtown Lakeland represent the 100 feet of right of way that CSX owns. As you can see, CSX is not using anywhere near the full 100-feet right now. The rest of it extends into downtown parking areas and sidewalks - almost to Munn Park - and even into some existing buildings, including the one housing Crispers on Kentucky (Are you listening, Publix?) and the police station. It does pinch down a bit east of downtown, and I’m not sure what the ultimate consequence of that might be.

Some years ago, and I’ve seen the old photos from what I guess were the 60s and 70s, there were multiple rail lines - not one. They cut a much wider swath through downtown. I don’t know all the history behind their disappearance, but I suspect they went away at the time that freight rail nearly disappeared in the country as a whole, back in the 70s and early 80s. (That’s an entirely different, but very important story.) No one, including the rail companies, who wanted to get rid of lines for efficiency reasons, thought they were coming back. But they are, thanks to the cost of oil.

If DOT pays the $600 million-plus to merge the A and S-lines into the single JD Alexander/Bob Gernert Memorial Freight Superhighway and runs it through Lakeland’s core, does anyone think CSX won’t unleash bulldozers up to the edge of its full downtown right of way? Does anyone think those multiple tracks aren’t coming back? I don’t have timetables or copies of secret plans. But at $4 gas, freight rail owns the future of shipping.

In those pictures I’ve seen, the tracks and area around them looked ugly and industrial. A lot has happened in downtown Lakeland since those tracks reduced to one. Millions in public and private investment have created a walkable urban core that can rival any mid-sized city. We have grown smartly and responsibly - unlike our friends in Winter Haven and Orlando.

So this deal is not about “a few trains.” It’s not about numbers. It’s about setting patterns, forever. This has always been about reorganizing Florida’s shipping economy around CSX and a few other people. Passenger rail is an afterthought. For Lakeland, this means the long-term, irreversible creation of an industrial corridor through what has become the living room of our city. It is the squandering of huge public investment spent in good faith and under the principles of good growth in the service of a plan in which we were never included.

I’m not sure whay it’s so hard for the people behind this deal to acknowledge this and act in good faith to mitigate it. I welcome anyone to explain why I’m wrong. Tell me why what I’m describing won’t happen. And don’t just shout “misinformation,” make an argument.

Even if Jane Healy - or Buddy Dyer or Dean Cannon or Bob Gernert or Jacob Stuart - think I’m full of it, why not just humor us? If it’s really “just a few trains,” why not call on CSX and the state to write into the deal that CSX can’t use any more of the right-of-way in Lakeland than it already does and that any new line built on the existing line must be dedicated for passenger rail?

Again, if it’s just a few trains, that shouldn’t be a problem. Least of all for Ms. Healy, as a writer with no accountability. I have no idea if this would fly with anyone. But it would be one more concrete offer than anyone in any significant position has made to ease Lakeland’s concerns.

That’s what so amazing to me. Lakeland, and the many east Polk residents who don’t want State Road 60 and their neighborhoods turned into the mother of all truck stops, are less powerful than the Orlando political cabal. We have been reminded of that incessantly. The only leverage we have over our future in dealing with this deal is its lack of existence. The moment it does go through, CSX and the state will say Lakeland who? Polk how? Seth what? We will be at the mercy of whatever makes CSX money. That means there is zero incentive not to fight. CSX will punish Lakeland if it’s lucrative for it to do so. If it’s not lucrative, it won’t. So there’s nothing for Lakeland to lose. I promise you that CSX won’t spend one red cent more on any mitigation than someone in a position of power makes it spend. Why on earth wouldn’t the state offer Lakeland something to lose solely out of tactics? And no, rumblings about a quiet zone and meaningless legislative intent don’t count.

And for those people who say this is the first step in a Jacksonville to Tampa rail link, please explain how that will physically happen over a right of way CSX needs for its supersized freight ambitions. I still haven’t heard it. Bob Gernert said a while back that the state would double track all the way to Tampa eventually. Really? And how does it plan to get access to CSX’s property? Once the state commits itself in Orlando to using CSX land for its statewide rail links, CSX gets to name its price and its access rules for each new segment. We are already paying more than $400 million for 61 miles. According to deal proponents, that’s the true value of the corridor. How much will that per mile cost jump, and what concession will the state yield for the next chunk, whereever it may be. Think about that TBARTA.

Meanwhile, California just agreed to pay $14.3 million for 32 miles of active freight track. I’m a writer not a mathematician, but…I know, I know, somehow that’s apples and oranges.

Jane Healy would serve Orlando’s best interest if she pressured her people, the state and CSX to either move the Winter Haven hub or come up with a meaningful mitigation package. But that would require strategic, regional thinking, not verbal spitballs. It would require her to drop the ego and the attitude and look for solutions, not villains. She could provide a service by calling on the state to wait for the results of the DOT study of Polk impacts and rail future that should have been done at the beginning. She could call for a reasonable compromise on the liability issue, which frankly, is not my area of expertise.

The idea that we must hurry because federal money for rail transit is going to go away with $4-gallon gas, a Democratic congress, and most likely a Democratic president is laughable on its face. There is no urgency beyond the urgency of people who know they are pushing a destructive, anti-transit deal.

Just take another look at those maps.

Oh, and for good measure, the regional planning council should vote down the hub in Wednesday’s hearing. It’s a vote without consequence since everyone supposedly knows Winter Haven will ignore the council. It will be intriguing to see where Lakeland’s own County Commissioner Bob English, up for re-electioin, stands. Remember, he didn’t even want a DRI for the hub. Anyway, I say the council should make a mockery of a process that’s a mockery.

P.S. I would love for anyone involved in this deal, Jane Healy or otherwise, to respond to anything I’ve written. Chuck is more than willing to publish serious responses here on LL.

“Sugar grower Florida Crystals is lobbying for an inland port with the development of an industrial and commercial center just south of Lake Okeechobee, smack in the heart of the state’s proposed pathway for Everglades restoration.” - Sugar Grower’s Port Proposal May Affect Everglades Plan

“Thirty-one miles of the 61-mile Central Florida Commuter Rail project has been approved for final design, project backers announced Monday.” — Orlando Commuter Rail Takes Another Step

“With a boost from some tax-break incentives, Orlando-based Planar Energy Devices Inc. says it plans to establish a microelectronics plant in Central Florida within the next three months.
” — Tax incentives to fuel energy startup’s presence in Orlando

“Florida voters can cast early ballots for the Aug. 26 Republican and Democratic primaries starting Monday. Many will be greeted by changes since 2006. Statewide, 15 counties — including Lake in Central Florida — are switching from touch-screen technology to paper, optical-scan ballots.” — Expect some changes at Florida polls when casting early votes

So many reasons why you should oppose Amendment 5 and Homebuyers, Beware: Tax Aid Is Loan

“Nagging complaints about some generic drugs are casting doubt on one of medicine’s most widely held assumptions: that generics are just as good as brand-name versions, only cheaper.” — Rx for trouble? Generics don’t always work as well as brand names, critics say. The FDA disagrees. We take a look.

“In 2015, just a few years from now, Florida will be in deep trouble. Who wants the dubious notoriety of “last in the nation?”" — Florida’s Coming Medical Disaster

Bonus:

The Sentinel is still mad at Paula Dockery

“Heart of Florida United Way is radically changing the way it does business: going after “root causes” of hunger, homelessness, crime and family violence instead of “putting a Band-Aid” on the problems, leaders say.” — No more ‘Band-Aid’ approaches, Heart of Florida United Way vows

“Home builders demanded answers Saturday to questions about a proposed constitutional tax amendment that voters will decide on the Nov. 4 ballot. While state leaders who favored the tax-swapping Amendment 5 promised builders their tax bills would drop, opponents assured an audience of about 100 that their taxes would increase.” — Rival claims of tax-swap backers and foes baffle Florida home builders group

Editorials:

“Someone in state government needs to step up and address the standoff over the proposed commuter-rail project in Orlando.” — DOT Should Review Other Options To Build Commuter Rail In Orlando

“The old maxim that Central Florida officials couldn’t care less about conserving resources no longer holds water — especially when you consider how so many of them literally are now working to change the landscape.” — Smarter landscaping could help relieve water crisis

Bonus:

“He was a playboy bachelor, the first Republican governor of Florida since Reconstruction and a promising candidate for the vice presidency. His name was Claude Kirk Jr.” — ‘Claudius Maximus’ Blazed Trail Followed By Crist

“Florida’s proposal to acquire 300 square miles of Everglades land from U.S. Sugar Corp. was illegally brokered in closed-door meetings, a lawyer claimed in a lawsuit filed Friday.” - ‘Glades Sugar Buyout Contested

Speaking of deals brokered in closed-door meetings: “A CSX railroad subsidiary can build a rail freight terminal in Winter Haven as long as it takes care of traffic and environmental issues, according to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council staff report.” — Planners Set CSX Rail Project Conditions

A Sentinel editorial: “Remember, the Bush administration is leaving behind a record budget deficit for the next president.” — Barack Obama’s ambitious plan for urban centers needs some editing

If Orlando is truly built on a base of tourism, then what happens if the tourists start staying home? Will tourists keep coming? Industry fears future

The dream was to live in a quiet suburb and commute to work. Is that dream turning into a nightmare? Bedroom Community Affected by Gas Costs

Students are finding that they don’t have to drive to class. What will that do to the give-and-take many students need to learn? Online-Class Enrollment Accelerates Into Fall

Bonus:

The Ledger asks Can a Black Man Win Florida?

The Sentinal thinks State leaders need to get their commuter-rail act together now

If you’re near Valencia Community College on Tuesday you can attend a public forum hosted by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic to Learn about proposal to drop Florida school tax

We always welcome another show to look at gadgets: Florida builders open Orlando trade show to public - a first

Speaking of homes: Building in a Niche: Smaller Houses Sell

This may shock some but there is Proof there were tourists before there were theme parks

CSX looks to lobby and public relations to argue case: Kassab: Railroad carries new message, but how lean is lean, and how green is green? And is it worth the money taxpayers must invest in the billion-dollar a year company?

Bonus: Regulators Raid Wachovia’s Hub

Chuck’s note: This post is Billy Townsend’s first post after leaving the Tribune. If you read this site through a feed, you may not see the bylines. I’m sure you’ll quickly learn to tell us apart. The style, commentary, and concerns are Billy’s very own. See A New Author at Lakeland Local for my thoughts on opening this site to an additional voice.

So I was noodling around TheLedger.com a few days ago and ran across a Tom Palmer blog post dismissively dubbing as “predictable” my intrepid former colleague Lindsay Peterson’s recent story about Amtrak. Not sure how many straightforward news features are ever surprising, but no matter… I can rest easier in my post-journalism grave knowing that Tom is still willing to act as The Tribune’s exclamation point on its CSX rail deal-related coverage.

As Lindsay and I worked through this stuff over the last year, a pattern emerged: We would post or report something original on the blog or the A-front, and Tom would quickly hock a digital loogie on it from his blog. This happened over and over again, with Tom making varying arguments at varying times. They seemed to break down into three rough categories of objection.

1) This is totally unimportant, and the people who care about it are unimportant and unhinged. And it’s bizarre to spend this much time and effort on it when it’s a done deal. And they should really stop their whining.

2) This is very important, and Lindsay and Billy are hopeless shills for the sinister Dockery/”downtown merchant” axis.

3) Lindsay and Billy are breathing air I might be breathing.

But my favorite Tomism came back on Halloween of last year, in response to something no one had ever written. Here’s the link.

http://county.theledger.com/default.asp?item=694786&mode=blog

It makes me smile. Short version: Tom opens his post with this line: “Several months ago we read horror stories about how trucks from the CSX terminal might overwhelm downtown Lakeland, but the reality so far is turning out to be different.”

Ouch. Gotcha.

Except, to my knowledge, truck impact on downtown Lakeland has never been a concern. There was some concern about 98 and the Polk Parkway, but that’s about 7 miles from downtown as Tom would surely know. Anyway, a commenter called Tom on this, asking him to cite where he had heard or read such horror stories. He couldn’t do it.

But, indefatigable as always, Tom not only didn’t correct his error, he went on to tell his commenter that his “larger point” was that everyone should “let the debate be judged by verified impacts, not imagined impacts.”

It’s a small thing, of course. But it gives you a glimpse into the mind and ego of the man charged with separating the verified from the imagined in Polk county government. Lying in print, getting caught, and then playing it off as not germane to “the larger point” seems like bad form, even in this new media landscape.

On the other hand, it’s hard to work up too much righteous dudgeon over a guy with such detailed knowledge of exotic birds. Though maybe we should question some of those warbler sightings he’s reported over the years. Anyway, you can’t really hold this against Tom. We all have our intractable pathologies to bear. His are intellectual vanity and misanthropy. It’s like telling a giraffe not to have a long neck.

And it worked to The Tribune’s advantage. Lindsay and I came to rely on Tom’s curmudgeonliness as a barometer of how well we were doing our jobs. The quicker and the nastier Tom’s comment, the better the story. It was like a Nielson rating.

While this was good for us, it wasn’t so good for The Ledger. There’s no reason Polk County’s paper of record should have had its butt kicked on the biggest local growth/development/regional politics story in a generation. If Tom had spent a little more time reporting and asking critical questions about the issue and a little less time acting like a James Brown call-back chorus, The Ledger might not have needed to pay Dave Schultz to come out of retirement this spring to write the same story Lindsay and I wrote six months before. (He did a good job, by the way. It was a smart investment.)

But there’s no point in what-ifs, I guess. After all, to paraphrase that great American Donald Rumsfeld, you go to press with the county government reporter you’ve got, not the one you wish you had.

I think a lot of us would give up email if only because of spam: E-mail backlash moves workers to text, but we also need to think about the Florida Sunshine law. How do we keep records of text messages sent. There are ways, but we need to make it mandatory for all Florida government organizations.

In housing news: Orlando-area home sales post gains and Foreclosures still rising, but some see hope

Florida Southern College is named on the “best and most interesting” schools in the country: Book Ranks FSC Among Best Schools

This should come as no surprise to those involved with CSX and the FDOT: Railroad Info Meeting Underwhelms Audience

Drilling for oil on our coast will not help you get to work: Floridians Should Not Be Panicked Into Sacrificing Their Coast

A little bonus for today: USF Polytechnic Technology Incubator Needed in Downtown Lakeland

MI4 is taking tomorrow off. We’ll be back on Sunday with a two-day report.

If you read the regional news sites this morning you’ll learn that Governor Crist has asked his girlfriend to be his wife. That’s sweet. Good for them. I’ll be the first to wish them all the best.

If Crist doesn’t get the nod from John McCain to be his Vice President…I predict they will decide not to marry, but will “remain friends.”

The Florida Supreme Court gave Crist an engagement present: Florida’s high court busts Crist’s deal with Seminole casinos or Court Tosses Crist’s Deal On Casinos. That crazy court and their wacky gag gifts.

The Orlando Sentinel Optimism Award goes to the Sentinel itself today for a short throwaway statement in its editorial on the city’s bus system: We think: Lynx bus system needs to find more efficiencies to thrive

“Commuter rail? That will help. But it’s not pulling into the area until 2011, and once it arrives it will complement Lynx, not prove a substitute for it.”

Now, that’s an editorial board that sticks to its guns. No matter how bad they misfire.

The cost of electricity is going up. Period. It doesn’t matter who owns your electric company. We just heard from Lakeland and now Orlando and Tampa: Turn off the lights! Electric bills likely to rise for Orlando-area customers
I follow the CSX. I’ve reported on the CSX story. And Sentinel, your editorial board does a lousy [...]

The Sentinel doesn’t seem to believe Gov. Crist’s change of heart in: Our position: Florida’s governor seems to be putting politics ahead of environment
I wonder if Tampa and Lakeland have seen a similar problem: Pharmacy robbery makes 6 within a month in Orlando area
Community redevelopment often makes more of a difference than new community development [...]

Ray of hope for Orlando-area housing is a different story than Thousands in Orlando want Shaq to help with mortgages
Lakeland today…the rest of the region soon:
Lakeland Electric Rate Hike Passes
Would a new board want to move for commuter rail? Judge Denies CSX Bid To Stop Proxy Battle
Two profiles: one business is hurting while the [...]