FLORIDA PLANNING A Publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Summer 2016
www.floridaplanning.org
Establishing Viable Medical Tourism in the Tampa Bay Area
By Randy Deshazo and Avera Wynne, AICP
In recent years, many countries worldwide have taken advantage of their advanced medical care assets and access to international markets to promote their medical facilities to international travelers.
With an increasing level of medical specializations globally, travelers seeking quality healthcare at affordable costs and relaxing recuperative care have traveled from the Middle East to South Korea, from the United States to Columbia, and from one European country to another to get the best medical care available. Even though medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world, many travelers come here from all over the world for specialized care. While medical tourism in Latin American countries and South Korea have developed with the assistance of public organizations, in the continued on page 4
OTHER FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
5
APA FL 2016 Election Cast Your Vote
6
2016 APA Florida Conference
8
Largo’s Medical Arts District
9
Orlando’s Medical City: A Planner’s Perspective
10
Planning for a Healthy Orlando
11
Florida Amendments
President’s Message - p. 3 APA Florida Working for You - p. 12 Section Happenings - p. 13 Planners on the Move - p. 14 Law Case Update - p. 15 Consultants Directory - p. 17 Events - back page
The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.
[APA FLORIDA] KEY CONTACTS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Name
Phone Fax E-mail
APA Florida Executive Committee President Melissa Zornitta, AICP
813- 272-5940
813- 272-6255 president@floridaplanning.org
President-Elect
Andre Anderson, AICP
407-896-0455
407-386-6523
presidentelect@floridaplanning.org
Sun Coast Section
Stephen Benson, AICP, CNU-A 813-843-8359
suncoast@floridaplanning.org
VP-Professional Development
Henry Bittaker, AICP
561-523-0678
profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org
First Coast Section
Wiatt Bowers
813-785-5012
firstcoast@floridaplanning.org
Orlando Metro Section
Jason Burton, AICP
407-246-3389
orlandometro@floridaplanning.org
VP-Conference Services
Kathie Ebaugh, AICP
941-927-9000
conferencesvcs@floridaplanning.org
VP-Membership Services
Laura Everitt, AICP
813-224-8862
813-226-2106
membership@floridaplanning.org
Atlantic Coast Section
Lisa Frazier, AICP
321-750-7060
atlanticcoast@floridaplanning.org
Treasurer
Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP 850-875-8663
treasurer@floridaplanning.org
San Felasco Section
Adam Hall, AICP
386-418-6125
sanfelasco@floridaplanning.org
Heart of Florida Section
Hetty Harmon, AICP
863-646-4771
YPG Representative
Brandon Henry
ypg@floridaplanning.org
VP-Section Affairs
Tony LaColla, AICP
813-273-3774
813-272-6258
sectionaffairs@floridaplanning.org
Treasure Coast Section
Josh Long, AICP
561-650-0719
561-671-2417
treasurecoast@floridaplanning.org
University Liaison
Joseli Macedo
352-392-0997
352-392-3308
univliaison@floridaplanning.org
Student Representative
Andrew Meyer
students@floridaplanning.org
Promised Lands Section
Tony Palermo, AICP
239-533-8325
239-485-8344
promisedlands@floridaplanning.org
VP-Certification Maintenance
Rick Perez, AICP
863-834-6011
certmaintenance@floridaplanning.org
Emerald Coast Section
Kristen Shell, AICP
850-983-7078
emeraldcoast@floridaplanning.org
VP - Communications
Marcie Stenmark, AICP
727-724-1555
communications@floridaplanning.org
Immediate Past President
Brian Teeple, AICP
904-279-0880
904-279-0881
pastpresident@floridaplanning.org
Secretary
Alissa Barber Torres, AICP
407-836-7762
secretary@floridaplanning.org
Broward Section
Thuy Turner, AICP
954-357-6633
broward@floridaplanning.orgta
Gold Coast Section
Lynda Westin, AICP
954-788-7923
goldcoast@floridaplanning.org
Capital Area Section
Barry Wilcox
850-891-6400
capitalarea@floridaplanning.org ff
Executive Director
Julia “Alex“ Magee
850-201-3272
850-807-2576
fapa@floridaplanning.org
Ad. Assistant/Bookkeeper
Amanda Pickles
850-201-3272
850-807-2576
adminbk@floridaplanning.org
Communications Coordinator Patti Shea
850-201-3272
850-807-2576
staff@floridaplanning.org
Legislative Representative
Lester Abberger
850-524-2779
850-222-8199
lesterabberger@nettally.com
Webmaster (Consultant)
Summer Taylor
888-949-5487 x706
407-246-2895
heartoffl@floridaplanning.org
summer@exaktmarketing.com
All Other Inquiries, contact APA Florida at 1-850-201-3272 or e-mail fapa@floridaplanning.org.
2 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s that time of year – election time! Not just for our country but our APA chapter as well. We have an amazing slate of planners willing to volunteer their time to continuing to move our chapter forward. It is exciting. Be sure you take the time to vote. You will find instructions on how to vote in this edition of Florida Planning. Just like in our national election – every vote counts! This is your opportunity to weigh in on the future of our organization.
Be sure you take the time to vote. This is your opportunity to weigh in on the future of our organization. This time of year also gives me a moment to reflect as it is concluding my term as President of APA Florida. It has been a real honor to serve the chapter. I am proud of the many things we have accomplished over the last two years. We provided meaningful input in the legislative process, formed an Emerging Topics committee to identify the challenges planners need to prepare for in the coming years, are holding our first ever professional development webinar, and expanded our communications to members. And those are just a few highlights of what this Executive Committee has accomplished. One of my focuses has been on making sure members see value from their membership in APA Florida. I hope you are seeing the changes we are making and enjoying the results. As this is my last column, I figured I would take a moment to wax philosophical. I feel like we are at a challenging point as planners. It is harder to get people’s attention, to engage them meaningfully in their community and the community’s vision, and to reach consensus in a world that feels increasingly polarized. At the same time, I think planners are uniquely positioned to be able to overcome these challenges and help bring our communities together. There are some tough issues facing our state and nation. Planners can help. I hope each of us rises to that challenge. We may get knocked down from time to time, but I encourage us all to keep getting back up, fighting the good fight as I know we will ultimately win the battle to make our communities great places to live and work. APA and APA Florida are tremendous resources to us as we engage in these difficult issues. I know I have found tremendous support in my APA connections – even if it is just for “planner therapy” venting sessions. I encourage you to continue to be involved in APA as it can yield so much professionally and personally. As I close, I want to thank my fellow Executive Committee members and all the officers of the 12 sections across the state who are dedicating so much time and energy to the organization. I am proud to have served with you all! I also want to thank our fabulous APA Florida Chapter Staff: Alex Magee, Amanda Pickles and Patti Shea. They have provided me so much support and truly made it possible for me to juggle this commitment with my family and job. I appreciate all they do! And lastly, thank you to all the members of APA Florida for giving me this opportunity. It has been so valuable to me, and I hope I have served you well.
Melissa Zornitta, AICP APA Florida President
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 3
[MEDICAL] TOURISM
continued from cover page
United States the promotion of medical tourism services has been the responsibility of individual healthcare providers. For example, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota not only promotes itself in global markets but maintains a presence at Minneapolis-St Paul International airport to facilitate the movement and accommodation of its patients. Until now, however, there has been very little effort in the United States to develop a cooperative model among healthcare providers and the travel and accommodations industry to take advantage of the world’s most advanced healthcare system. Equipped with worldclass medical facilities and healthcare specializations in cardiology, pediatrics and oncology on the one hand, and with excellent accommodations, amenities and direct flights to many international markets on the other hand, the Tampa Bay area has the potential to develop medical tourism as a new growth industry. Accordingly, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, in cooperation with partners in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, issued a Request for Proposals in the summer of 2015 for consultant services to investigate the viability of a medical tourism program in the region. Later that fall, the council’s selected consultant, Global Healthcare Resources (GHR), reached out to various stakeholders — including healthcare professionals, visitor and convention bureau staff, hotels, Tampa Bay International Airport and other 4 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
key parties — to collect information and determine interest in various models for implementing a program to grow medical tourism in the region. While final results will not be available until this September, preliminary results of the study indicate that while there is potential for developing medical tourism in the region, there are significant obstacles in the way. Even though there are several hospitals and medical specialists with a worldwide reputation,
[MEDICAL] TOURISM
continued from page 4
the Tampa Bay Area lacks international “brand” visibility as a healthcare and recuperative destination. Although the region is served by a strong tourism promotional industry and consistently high occupancy rates at hotels, long-range demand trends tend to undercut any incentive to retrofit hotel rooms to medical needs or to spend resources on driving up demand for rooms when hotels are at capacity in peak season. Since medical tourism is a year-round phenomenon it does not necessarily pick up the slack in demand during the off season. GHR also found that the region does not offer the highest quality and variety of medical traveler experience to drive increases in
medical tourism from markets most likely to take advantage of the region’s specialized care offerings. Even with the key elements of a growing medical tourism industry in place, the difficulties of connecting the healthcare and travel industries stem in part from their success. With numerous individual success stories in various niche markets, the region currently lacks “a call to action” for a regional brand for medical tourism. Randy Deshazo is a Principal Planner at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and can be reached at randy@tbrpc.org. Avera Wynne, AICP, is the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Planning Director and can be reached at avera@tbrpc.org.
GET READY TO CAST YOUR BALLOT! It is time to cast your ballot for new officers! This year, we are participating in APA’s consolidated ballot for chapters and divisions for the first time so please carefully read the following instructions. On Aug. 5, APA will send each APA Florida member an email with a link to the ballot. You will receive this notice from Survey and Ballot Systems, and it will contain your unique link to the ballot. All voting will be done on -line and only members in good standing will be allowed to vote. Voting will end on Sept. 8. Two email reminders will be sent to members who have not voted during this time period in case you miss the first one. You will be voting on the chapter slate listed below. View the candidate position statements at www.floridaplanning.org. Please make sure you review them before voting! Members of an APA Division that is up for voting will also be voting for division leadership at the same time. The chapter slate will show up on the ballot first. If you are a member of a division that is holding elections, that division slate will follow the chapter on the ballot. Should you have any questions or problems accessing the ballot webpage, please contact Lynn Jorgenson at LJorgenson@planning.org.
2016 APA Florida Election Slate* President-Elect Treasurer Secretary VP-Membership Services VP-Section Affairs VP-Professional Development VP-Certification Maintenance VP-Communications VP-Conference Services
Laura Everitt, AICP Josh Long, AICP Brad Cornelius, AICP Tony LaColla, AICP Kim Glas-Castro, AICP Abra Horne, AICP* Marcie Stenmark, AICP Lindsay Stevens, AICP Kathie Ebaugh, AICP Doug Kelly, AICP Henry Bittaker, AICP Derek Burr, AICP Alexis Crespo, AICP Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP Jesse Blouin, AICP Michelle Heinrich, AICP Wiatt Bowers, AICP Jay Collins, AICP
*Please Note: Subsequent to the initial publication of this slate, Vanessa Christiansen withdrew her name from consideration. The Nominating Committee selected Abra Horne to replace her on the slate.
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 5
2016 APA Florida Conference SEPTEMBER 6-9, 2016 - TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
inspiring florida’s future As planners, we are often the ones inspiring others to reimagine their communities, to aspire for better solutions, or to make changes that improve the quality of life of their communities. At the 2016 Annual Conference, APA Florida hopes to not only celebrate the great ways planners are inspiring communities but also to breath new inspiration into the profession of planning. The goal is to leave the conference emboldened, inspired and remembering why you chose to be a planner or perhaps to understand why planning chose you. Register and get full session, reception and tour descriptions on the conference website
6 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
700+
Join APA President Carol Rhea, FAICP, and an anticipated 700+ planners, engineers, architects, developers, students, and community leaders looking to inspire Florida’s future
10 • • • • • •
Compelling Mobile Workshops that will take conference attendees across all parts of the region and explore some of Tampa Bay’s best kept secrets including:
Nearby cities of Bradenton, Sarasota, Safety Harbor, and Oldsmar Rock Ponds & Cockroach Bay Environmental restoration Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in Lakeland Emerging Creative Arts District in Pinellas Park Tours of neighborhoods including Tampa Heights, the Channel District, and Ybor City Tampa International Airport, Downtown Tampa by Water and Walking
[2016] CONFERENCE
continued from page 4
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Dynamic featured speakers that will both inspire and challenge you
Jim Kumon — Executive Director, Incremental Development Alliance, will teach us how our local tax base and economy can stand on sturdier footing by creating systems that allow and encourage real estate and economic development to happen in smaller increments and continuously over time during our closing brunch, on Friday, Sept. 9.
Craig Pittman – Tampa Bay Times Journalist and author, will discuss his new book, “Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country,”on Tuesday afternoon. Ron Sims – Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will provide a fresh perspective on healthy, sustainable communities during the Thursday, Sept. 8 keynote luncheon, “Inspiring the Plans of Tomorrow-Today.”
DON’T MISS THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING! 5-6 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 7.
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Numerous extended sessions and special workshops covering a variety of planning topics including: AICP Prep Course (It’s FREE!) • Federal Transportation Grant workshop Planning Commissioner symposium • 5 interactive Lunch and Learn sessions 3 Law sessions and 2 Ethics sessions
Engaging sessions spread over six tracts led by your peers and allied professionals
Transportation & Land Use Let’s explore how can we improve our streets and still effectively move people and goods while promoting livable communities. Happy People, Healthy Places From placemaking to the arts, parks, public space, and fitness, let’s learn about the various ways we can implement health, creativity, and fun into our communities and plan these areas with the folks who live and work there. New Adventures in Environmental Planning Discover innovative topics related to environmental planning such as: adaptation and resiliency for climate change and natural disasters; protecting natural systems, environmentally sensitive areas and water resources; as well as best practices in sustainability. Basic Training No matter where you are in your career, this track provides opportunities for you to learn something new or refresh an old skill. Out of the Box Delve into an array of topics ranging from the role sports venues play in communities to firearms regulations in Florida!
James Nozar - Chief Executive Officer – Strategic Property Partners, Charles J. Lockwood MD, MHCM – Senior Vice President USF Health and Dean of the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, and Bob McDonaugh – Economic Opportunity Administrator, City of Tampa, will open the conference on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to share their roles in “The Vision & The Catalyst: A Case for Waterfront Redevelopment in Downtown Tampa”. The discussion will focus on the transformation of a 40-acre warehouse/port area around the Amalie Arena into a new walkable, working “Mixed-Use Wellness District.”
TAMPA AFTER HOURS TUESDAY: BIENVENIDO A TAMPA @JACKSON’S BISTRO
Enjoy the waterfront skyline, evening breeze and flamenco music as you catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
WEDNESDAY: FUN & GAMES @SPLITSVILLE
Work the kinks out after a long day of sessions with free bowling and billiards.
THURSDAY: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY @L’UNIONE ITALIANA What better way to end your visit to Tampa than with a night of dancing in the heart of the historic Ybor City.
OTHER GREAT EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT MORNING RUNS along the Riverwalk & Yoga in the Convention Center TUESDAY, WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN Guided evening walk showcasing historic preservation and adaptive re-use. (registration required) WEDNESDAY, MAYOR’S FOOD TRUCK FIESTA - Head to Lykes Gaslight Square if you’re looking for a lunch alternative. WEDNESDAY, WATER AND LIGHT RIVERWALK STROLL - Guided evening walk along Tampa Riverwalk (registration required) WEDNESDAY, STUDENT/YPG RECEPTION @DISTRICT TAVERN THURSDAY, LGBTQ IN PLANNING RECEPTION @MARY’S PUB HOUSE - APA LGBTQ in Planning Division hosts a mixer in the heart of Tampa’s “gayborhood” immediately following the APA Florida Thursday night reception.
“Inspire” (v.) – 1. To fill with desire, confidence or emotion to do something. 2. To motivate, encourage, influence, awaken, rouse, stir, energize, incite; animate, excite, invigorate, spark, inspirit, incentivize, affect.
Let’s come together this September in Tampa and start a conversation about what inspires you!
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 7
Largo’s By Carol Stricklin, AICP
Medical Arts District
How can a medical arts campus be formed? The City of Largo undertook this challenge for an area in the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District (WBD-CRD) to capitalize on the economic importance of the medical sector. The 37-acre Medical Arts District, located west of Largo’s downtown core, contains major medical institutions, including Largo Medical Center, the Diagnostic Clinic, and the Eye Institute of West Florida. With existing development at .38 floor area ratio (FAR), the district is well below the maximum 2.0 FAR allowed with density bonuses by the redevelopment district land use designation. The area lacks a cohesive identity and the infrastructure necessary to achieve its economic potential. The City of Largo engaged the firms of Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. and PlaceMaker Design Studio LLC in 2015 to prepare the Medical Arts District Conceptual Plan. The intent of the plan is to develop the district as a medical campus and to identify future infrastructure needs to support continued development of medical and supporting land uses. A key component of the plan involved engaging the major property owners in the district to incorporate and accommodate their future plans for their properties. The plan anticipates creation of an organizational structure to ensure participation of these owners in implementation of the plan as a public-private partnership. The issues identified in the plan include: • access to the district • way-finding, internal circulation and parking • public transit and accommodation for multi-modal travel • branding • complementary relationships between uses, including the potential for housing. To address these issues, the conceptual plan identified ways to better organize land uses in the district and improve access by shifting and reorienting the signalized access to the district. The
8 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
plan would create a main boulevard “loop system” to improve circulation and wayfinding, and create a hierarchy of internal streets. This street system will organize and segment the campus into identifiable components with a coordinated and systematic approach to signage. Expanding off-street parking, including structured parking, and providing master stormwater treatment would allow individual parcels to realize their development potential. Introducing green areas and open space and creating connections to the Pinellas Trail will create an atmosphere of a healthy and healing environment. The creation of the medical arts district anticipates branding the area as a health and wellness campus by creating an overall identity as a premier medical destination. The city envisions that the area will serve as an economic catalyst for job creation in and around the medical arts campus , generating reinvestment and revitalization in the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District overall. The next steps include the establishment of a coordinated governing body and adoption of the Medical Arts District Plan by the City Commission. Carol Stricklin, AICP, is the Community Development Director for the
City of Largo. She can be reached at cstrickl@largo.com.
So, let me tell you about an amazing place...
Orlando’s Medical City at Lake Nona: A Planner’s Perspective
Lake Nona is located just south of the Orlando International Airport in southeast Orlando. Medical City is part of the 9,000acre Lake Nona Planned Development (PD.) In 2006, Mayor Buddy Dyer and other local leaders, in partnership with the state of Florida and the Tavistock Group (the developer of Lake Nona), envisioned the Medical City. The partners dreamed of a live, work, learn, and play neighborhood that would provide people with access to the finest health care in the world. And they imagined an economic engine that would broaden our local economy and create high quality jobs for many generations. Today, Lake Nona Medical City is home to the University of Central Florida’s Health Sciences Campus, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center, the SanfordBurnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the Orlando VA Medical Center and the Guidewell UST Global Innovation Center. In just 10 short years, more than 2.6 million square feet of hospital, bio-medical research, and educational space has been developed. Developing around Medical City is Lake Nona’s mixed-use town
By: Paul S. Lewis, FAICP
center and the New Urbanist neighborhood of Laureate Park – one of the fastest growing neighborhood in Orlando. In truth, hundreds, if not thousands of people worked to create Medical City. My role pre-dates the Medical City concept by more than a decade. From 1995 to 1999, I was the project manager responsible for the creation of the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan (Plan). And for 12 years, from 1999 to 2011, I coordinated implementation of the Plan, ensuring that the New Urbanism principles upon which it was based were carried out in every detail in the design of new neighborhoods, in urban design and architecture. Cities should “make it easy to do the right thing.” In keeping with that premise, the Plan contains a series of incentives including fee waivers for Specific Parcel Master Plans (SPMPs), utilization of smaller street widths, increased densities and intensities, greater opportunities for mixed use, and an adjusted transportation impact fee schedule. Projects are eligible for an expedited review process through a Southeast Town Design Review Committee which provides administrative review of
SPMPs and plats. The Plan allows for flexibility and creativity in design through the SPMP process, which has resulted in memorable neighborhoods and iconic buildings. I think it’s important to acknowledge just how blessed our community is to have such a thoughtful partner in the Tavistock Group. They truly understand the value of place-making and the idea that the health of the person is dependent on the health of the community and vice versa. Tavistock has created the Lake Nona Institute, a non-profit, community-focused organization that incubates, activates and measures the impact of innovative technologies and programs that will, without a doubt, become global models for building healthy, sustainable and inspired communities. My hope is that other developers and communities will learn from and follow this great example. Paul Lewis, FAICP, is the chief planning manager for the City of Orlando. He can be reached at paul.lewis@cityoforlando.net.
Resources: Southeast Orlando Sector Plan Lake Nona – Medical City Lake Nona Institute Forbes.com Article “How to Build a Great American City”
Image is courtesy of Tavistock Development
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 9
“Health is where we live, not a doctor’s office” – Dr. Richard Jackson, MD, author of Designing Healthy Communities
PLANNING FOR
By: Paul S. Lewis, FAICP
A HEALTHY ORLANDO The physical design and character of the City of Orlando was heavily influenced by the City Beautiful movement – the direct result of the notion that cities should be beautiful, and that sensitive urban design and architecture are crucial components of a healthy environment as well as the health of each individual person. The 21st century embodiment of the City Beautiful movement is Healthy Community Design (HCD), which is a concept and set of principles developed by Dr. Richard Jackson, a pediatrician and expert in environmental health. HCD addresses not only the physical environment and infrastructure (buildings, streets, and accessible parks and walking/biking trails), but also educational opportunities for people of all ages (cradle to career), employment opportunities, housing, social and environmental stewardship, and community engagement. HCD also involves embracing new concepts such as the creation and enhancement of local food systems, front-yard gardens, community gardens, and urban agriculture; and yes, even welcoming urban chickens into our neighborhoods. A Healthy Community is a place where every resident can readily make healthy lifestyle choices. These concepts are embedded in two of Orlando’s recently completed planning documents, the Green Works Community Action Plan and the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhoods Plan. The Green Works CAP is a citywide effort that identifies ambitious goals and actionable strategies in seven distinct focus areas: energy/green buildings, food systems, green economy, livability, solid waste, transportation, and water. The Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan is a revitalization plan for Orlando’s most economically distressed neighborhood and is based on HCD principles which were modified with the blessing of Dr. Jackson (a member of the city’s consultant team led by VHB) and endorsed by the community after extensive public engagement. A common thread runs through all of Orlando’s planning efforts – a desire to ensure that people will be able to enjoy an urban environment rich in resources that fulfill the health of the whole person. HCD provides an exceptional vehicle for that desire. Dr. Jackson has been a tremendous inspiration for those of us who continued on page 14
10 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
FLORIDA AMENDMENTS By Alex Magee
Florida voters will be asked to vote on five constitutional amendments this year – one on the primary election ballot on Aug. 30 and four on the general election ballot on Nov. 8. Three of these ballot measures were legislatively referred constitutional amendments. (The Florida legislature can put a proposed amendment on the ballot upon a sixty percent majority vote in both chambers via a joint resolution.) All constitutional amendments must be approved by 60 percent of the electorate. The ballot summary of each amendment is found below, along with a link to booklets published by the Florida Department of State containing the full ballot language. Aug. 30 Ballot: Amendment Four – Solar Devices or Renewable Energy Source Devices; Exemption from Certain Taxation and Assessment Proposing an amendment to the Florida State Constitution to authorize the legislature, by general law, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the assessed value of solar or renewable energy source devices subject to tangible personal property tax, and to authorize the legislature, by general law, to prohibit consideration of such devices in assessing the value of real property for ad valorem taxation purposes. This amendment takes effect Jan. 1, 2018, and expires on Dec. 31, 2037. This ballot measure is legislatively referred through the passage of HJR193ER. The legislative staff final bill analysis can be viewed here. If approved by 60 percent of the voters in the election, the joint resolution provides that the proposed amendment will take effect
on Jan. 1, 2018, and expire on Dec. 31, 2037. Upon expiration, the amended sections will be repealed and the text of both constitutional subsections will revert to that in existence on Dec. 31, 2017. (Consistent with its adopted legislative platform and policies, APA Florida supports this amendment.) Nov. 8 Ballot: Amendment One: Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice This amendment establishes a right under Florida’s constitution for consumers to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity for their own use. State and local governments shall retain their abilities to protect consumer rights and public health, safety and welfare, and to ensure that consumers who do not choose to install solar are not required to subsidize the costs of backup power and electric grid access to those who do. The group behind this ballot initiative is Consumers for Smart Solar. Amendment Two: Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions Allows medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating medical conditions as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that continued on page 16
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 11
APA FLORIDA WORKING FOR YOU SPONSORSHIP TASK FORCE APA Florida has several sponsorship programs including the annual conference, Public Policy Workshop, and the annual sponsor program. Each program has varying levels with associated sponsor benefits. A task force has been formed to holistically review the sponsorship packages to enhance sponsorship levels and benefits and to consider consolidating the sponsorship programs.
CONFERENCE MANUAL Chapter staff and the VP of Conference Services are updating the annual conference manual. This document charts the tasks, time frames, and roles for planning the annual conference. Since the conference moves locations and has a unique host committee each year, the manual is an invaluable tool for ensuring the conference is a success.
EMAIL UPDATES APA Florida communicates with members in a variety of ways including e-mails and social media. We are addressing the issue of members not receiving e-mails. In June, APA Florida sent a post card to all members to confirm they are receiving e-mail communications from us. For members not receiving e-mail, the post card suggests checking your spam folder, verifying your email address is correct at My APA on planning.org or contacting the chapter office for further assistance.
12 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
AICP PASSAGE RATE FOR FLORIDA REBOUNDS In May, 31 of the 50 Florida members who took the AICP exam passed, which equals a 62 percent passage rate. This represents a marked increase from last November (42 percent) and May 2015 (44 percent) and is similar to the passage rate in May 2014. Find AICP study links and test information on the FloridaPlanning.org. Congratulations to the new AICP Members! Scot Bolyard Claire Jubb Courtney O’neill Krystal Clem John Kruse Robert Piatkowski Brandi Deese Yanmei Li John Podczerwinsky Pablo Duenas Benjamin Lytle Brian Powers Timothy Finn Shawna Martin Sarah Propst Michael Fitzgerald Irma Matos Michael Salisbury Cesar Garcia-Pons Kevin Mccarthy Franchesca Taylor Peter Gies Mary McGue Peter Van Buskirk Gareth Hanley Edward Ng Justin Willits Ricardo Herran Elizabeth Nocheck Yifan Zhang Patricia Hurd
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING The 2016 Annual Business Meeting will be held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa on Sept. 7 from 5 to 6 pm. At this meeting, members will be asked to VOTE on the 2017 Budget, the 2017 Strategic Operational Plan, and the 2017 Legislative Program and Position Statements. The agenda and the materials to be voted on are posted on the Chapter website at www.floridaplanning.org. Please take the time to review them before September. For those members who are unable to attend the annual meeting but who wish to vote on these items, a proxy system has been created. This proxy system form allows you to decide whether you want to REGISTER YOUR VOTE IN ADVANCE and submit it to the Chapter Office for use at the annual meeting OR DELEGATE YOUR VOTE to another member who will be attending the annual meeting if you are unable to participate. A proxy voting form, which may be reproduced, can be downloaded from APA Florida’s website at www.floridaplanning.org. Details about the proxy system and the proxy voting form can be found on floridaplanning.org. If you have any questions, please contact the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272 or fapa@floridaplanning.org.
APA Florida
SECTION HAPPENINGS! BROWARD Networking opportunities. The APA Florida Broward Section has been working with our membership to develop interesting and useful networking and learning opportunities. During their upcoming movie night at Cinema Paradiso, a local independent theater, our membership will have the opportunity to learn more about the challenges associated with providing potable water with a discussion, panel and documentary. At monthly happy hours section members have a chance to rub elbows with a featured guest, including DDA and Planning Department Directors and other notable planners, and learn more about issues such as countywide land use authority, unique transportation and placemaking initiatives and more while enjoying local food and drinks.
Vision Zero started in Sweden in the 1990s and is now spreading across the United States. A local advocacy group is already being formed to keep Vision Zero on the front burner in northeast Florida. Check out visionzeronorthfl.org/. Other events. First Coast organized a group outing to the Jacksonville Suns game on Aug. 15. The event is planned as a family gathering, built on the success of an outing at a Jacksonville Armada FC soccer match last summer. All Friday night baseball games are followed by a fireworks show, which was enjoyed by all. Our next event will be part of our Adaptive Brewuse series, and we will be visiting the “Ice Plant” in St. Augustine. The building dates back to 1927 and has recently been adapted into a distillery and bar. We’ll hear about the restoration and reuse of the building and learn about the process of making small batch spirits. We’ll also hear from local planners on studies and initiatives in St. Augustine. The final stop (at least for now) in our Adaptive Brewuse series will take us back to downtown Jacksonville this fall, where Intuition Ale Works is opening a new facility, complete with a rooftop bar!
FIRST COAST Seminar success. On May 15, the APA Florida First Coast Section hosted its signature event: The Transportation Update and Vision Zero seminar, held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Jacksonville and attended by 120 people. Speakers from the Florida Department of Transportation, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, City of Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Transportation Authority briefed attendees on current and upcoming projects and initiatives in the region. This was followed by a discussion on Vision Zero that was introduced by Lori Boyer (now City Council President and 2014 winner of APA Florida Public Official of the Year.) Lori was followed by Leah Shahum of the Vision Zero Network, a national advocacy organization headquartered in San Francisco. The concept of Vision Zero is to eliminate ALL traffic fatalities and sever injuries, while providing safe and healthy mobility for everyone. For more about Vision Zero check out visionzeronetwork.org. Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 13
APA Florida
PLANNERS ON THE MOVE CATHY FOERSTER-BRAWLEY, AICP Cathy joined Wildwood Consulting of St. Augustine in May 2016. Cathy was formerly with St. Johns River Water Management District and Taylor Engineering. As a program manager at Wildwood Consulting, she will provide technical assistance to local governments and agencies on water resource and water supply plans and projects. ROBERT ‘BOB’ MULHERE, FAICP & PAULA MCMICHAEL, AICP Tom Taylor, P.E., president and CEO of Hole Montes, Inc. recently announced that the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Hole Montes have unanimously agreed to name Robert “Bob” Mulhere, FAICP, as Vice President of Planning and Business Development and Paula McMichael, AICP, as Associate and Director of Planning for the firm. Mulhere has 27 years of professional experience and has been with Hole Montes since 2012. McMichael has 14 years of experience, the last three with Hole Montes. Each brings an expertise working with public and private clientele. Hole Montes is a civil engineering consulting firm serving Southwest Florida for the past 50 years.
[HEALTHY] ORLANDO
continued from page 10
have embraced the principles of HCD, so it is only fitting to give him the last word (from his book Designing Healthy Communities): “I think we must search for solutions that solve problems across many challenges; piecemeal strategies will fail. We must start from the bottom up which means creating buildings and communities that use less resources and much less fossil fuels, at the same time offering a rich engagement in life, meaningful work, local healthy food, and plenty of ‘incidental’ physical activity. And from the top down, we must develop policies that incentivize “smart buildings” and “smart communities” and dis-incentivize plans and construction that threaten our national well-being and survival.” Resources: 1. Orlando’s Green Works Community Action Plan 2. Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan 3. Designing Healthy Communities by Dr. Richard J. Jackson with Stacy Sinclair Paul Lewis, FAICP, is the chief planning manager for the City of Orlando. He can be reached at paul.lewis@cityoforlando.net
14 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
EMERGING TOPICS COMMITTEE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
The APA Florida Emerging Topics Ad-Hoc Committee seeks to identify critical issues that will impact the planning profession in Florida over the next 1-2 decades and to locate resources and needed initiatives that APA Florida membership can access and utilize to address issues in their communities moving forward. They are looking for a few interested and engaged emerging professionals and graduate students to participate in the committee. Please contact Lindsay Stevens (lstevens@fsu.edu) for additional information about how to participate.
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LAND USE & PLANNING: Law Case Update
by: David Theriaque, Esq.
Miami-Dade County, et al. v. Florida Power & Light Co., 41 Fla. L. Weekly D964 (Fla. 3rd DCA 2016) The Florida Power & Light Company (“FPL”) submitted a Site Certification Application (“Application”) to construct and operate two new nuclear generating units and associated facilities at Turkey Point, and to install miles of new transmission lines in western MiamiDade County. A certification hearing was conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). During the hearing, the City of Miami (“City”) contended that FPL was required to comply with the requirements of the City’s land development regulations and had failed to do so. The City also objected to the placement of FPL’s proposed poles, some of which would be as tall as 105 feet in the City’s densely populated urban areas. Miami-Dade County (“County”) objected because the western transmission line would run through areas of the East Everglades. The ALJ issued a Recommended Order approving FPL’s Application. The ALJ did not consider the local governments’ land development regulations. The Siting Board, which is comprised of the Governor and his cabinet, issued a Final Order on Certification (“Final Order”) in which it adopted the ALJ’s Recommended Order. The County, the City, and other parties sought appellate review of the Final Order by the Third District Court of Appeal (“Third DCA”). The Third DCA concluded that the Siting Board was required to apply the City of Miami’s applicable land development regulations and had failed to do so. Additionally, the Third DCA held that the Siting Board had the power to require that the power lines be installed underground, at FPL’s expense, contrary to the Siting Board’s conclusion that it had no such power. Lastly, the Third DCA concluded that FPL was required to comply with the County’s environmental regulations and had failed to do so. Indeed, the record established that FPL’s project would greatly impact endangered avian species, such as the wood stork and snail kite, and would have an irreversible ecological effect on the Everglades. Consequently, the Third DCA reversed the Final Order and remanded FPL’s Application for further review consistent with local development regulations, comprehensive plans, and applicable environmental regulations. Decker v. Citrus County, 2016 WL 1627109 (M.D. Fla. Apr. 25, 2016) George Decker filed a multiple-count second amended complaint in Federal Court, alleging, in part, a claim for inverse condemnation under Florida law for the alleged taking of his property rights. Essentially, Mr. Decker contended that Citrus County (“County”) had intentionally delayed the development of his project to such an extent that the delay amounted to a temporary taking of his property for which he is entitled to just compensation. The factual bases for such a claim were as follows: 1. The County’s indication that it will refuse to recognize Mr. Decker’s development rights arising under a coastal lakes commercial designation; 2. The County’s failure to object to the 180-day proposed occupancy of the project until eighteen months after the intended occupancy had been disclosed to the County; and 3. The County’s failure to respond to requests by Mr. Decker for zoning and legal interpretations in a timely manner. The United States District Court granted the County’s Motion to Dismiss, concluding that Mr. Decker’s takings claim was not ripe for review because he failed to show that the County had reached a final decision in regard to the permissible development on Mr. Decker’s property. Rather, the Court concluded that the County had not actually taken a position or made a decision adverse to Mr. Decker’s interests. Indeed, the County indicated that it would be willing to consider and approve a less intense use of Mr. Decker’s property. Moreover, the Court concluded that “[i]naction is not a decision nor does it indicate the County’s position regarding Plaintiff’s rights.” This case is a good example of the ripeness threshold in takings cases and the necessity of obtaining a final decision regarding the authorized use of an owner’s property. City of Alachua – Heritage Oaks-TND, Ltd. – Update On March 9, 2016, the First District Court of Appeal affirmed the Circuit Court’s Final continued on page 16
Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 15
[FLORIDA] AMENDMENTS
continued from page 11
produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not immunize violations of federal law or any nonmedical use, possession or production of marijuana. The group behind this ballot initiative is United for Care. This is the same group that successfully placed a similar initiative on the Nov. 4, 2014 ballot which only received 57.62 percent of the vote. Amendment Three: Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize a first responder, who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty, to receive relief from ad valorem taxes assessed on homestead property, if authorized by general law. If approved by voters, the amendment takes effect Jan. 1, 2017. This ballot measure is legislatively referred through the passage of HJR1009ER. The legislative staff final bill analysis can be viewed here. Amendment Five: Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to revise the homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities for property with just value less than $250,000 owned by certain senior, low-income, long-term residents to specify that just value is determined in the first tax year the owner applies and is eligible for the exemption. The amendment takes effect Jan. 1, 2017, and applies retroactively to exemptions granted before Jan. 1, 2017. This ballot measure is legislatively referred through the passage of HJR275ER. The legislative staff final bill analysis can be viewed here.
[LAW CASE] UPDATE
continued from page 15
Judgment in Favor of Defendant City of Alachua, Florida. The First District’s decision became final in May 2016.Thus, after a ten-day jury trial which resulted in a verdict in the amount $3,961,932.26 against the City, two appeals, and additional proceedings before the Circuit Court, the City has prevailed. Town of Ponce Inlet – Pacetta – Update On June 14, 2016, the Fifth District Court of Appeal conducted Oral Argument on the Town of Ponce Inlet’s appeal. The Oral Argument can be viewed here. As of the date of this column, no decision has been rendered. David Theriaque is with the firm of Theriaque & Spain in Tallahassee. He can be contacted at dat@theriaquelaw.com.
16 Summer 2016 / Florida Planning
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Summer 2016 / Florida Planning 17
[FLORIDA] PLANNING Published by the Florida Chapter, American Planning Association, the Florida Planning newsletter has a current circulation of 2,600 members, subscribers and other readers. Four issues are published a year.
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[UPCOMING] EVENTS AUG. 5: WEBINAR - PLANNING FOR RELIGIOUS LAND USES IN AN AGE OF RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND LAWSUITS The Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) has significantly affected communities across the country in the planning process, changing the way that some local governments plan for religious uses. This program will explore the types of claims that can be brought under RLUIPA and discuss how communities can plan for religious land uses without risking a potential RLUIPA violation. Information here. AUG. 9: PROFESSOR PETER NEWMAN LECTURE West Palm Beach. Prof. Peter New will give a lecture, “The End of Automobile Dependence: Global and Local Trends Moving Away from Car-based Planning,” Peter was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Virginia Charlottesville. Information here. SEPT. 6–9: APA FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Tampa. Help inspire Florida’s future by attending the APA Florida Member Conference. There will be keynote speakers, engaging sessions, mobile workshops, networking opportunities and more. Come interested, leave inspired and empowered. Information here.
Article deadlines are generally four weeks prior to publication. Ad deadlines are generally two weeks prior to publication. Consult the editor for any exception to this schedule.
SEPT. 11–14: 29TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONFERENCE Orlando. The Florida Housing Coalition’s annual conference attracts more than 700 affordable housing advocates, lenders, developers, administrators and policy makers. The Annual Conference offers nuts and bolts to cutting edge training and an opportunity to learn from a broad range of experts. Join us as newcomers and affordable housing veterans engage in thought-provoking exchange of new ideas, demonstrated techniques, training and networking. Information here.
ABOUT THE CHAPTER APA Florida is a non-profit organization funded through membership dues and fees. Contributions are also welcomed for general purposes and earmarked programs. Please note that contributes are not tax deductible.
SEPT. 29–30: INTERACTIVE TRANSPORTATION DESIGN WORKSHOP Cape Coral & Bonita Springs. Two-day workshop for local transportation and planning and design professionals. The first day features three of the nation’s outstanding transportation engineering and community design professionals in a highly interactive, hands-on workshop for up to 48 local engineering, planning, landscape architecture and plan review professionals. The second half-day, features a public forum with the same national experts in addition to several more, for an audience of elected and appointed officials, realtors, developers, consultants and those interested in thriving community design. Day 1 information. Day 2 information.
For news and information on Chapter concerns, visit the APA Florida website at www.floridaplanning.org.
OCT. 1: TOUR OF THE VILLAGES The Villages. A fun and educational program that will include visiting at least two of the town centers. Information here.
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OCT. 27: 6TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GIS SYMPOSIUM. Fort Myers. The symposium includes presentations by industry leader ESRI on new and innovative techniques, tools, and GIS applications, paper and poster presentations from your GIS colleagues, and vendor exhibits.
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For more information on these and other APA Florida events, please visit www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/