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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
State tags public lands for potential sales
The state has released long-awaited maps showing more than 5,000 acres of Florida park and conservation land potentially available for purchase as surplus acreage. State officials expect to generate $50 million from sales of the parcels and plan to spend the proceeds on future acquisition of conservation lands. The list of 169 parcels proposed for sale was harshly criticized by many environmental activists. More at the Orlando Sentinel, WTEV and WJCT.
See also:
» Project Overview from Florida Department of Environmental Protection
» List of potential Florida park land parcels for sale
Army Corps of Engineers reduces flow from Lake Okeechobee
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will reduce the amount of water flowing from Lake Okeechobee. The Corps is making the move as a result of falling lake levels, drier conditions and an improving precipitation forecast, officials said. More at the AP and the Miami Herald.
Related:
» Florida Realtors: Lake O Releases Are Hurting Tourism, Second Home Sales
Floating city for Biscayne Bay?
A Dutch developer is eyeing Biscayne Bay for a $200 million floating development. Netherlands-based Dutch Docklands wants the equivalent of 500 to 1,000 acres to build a floating island with housing, schools, offices, shopping centers, hotels and perhaps a golf course. More at Miami Today.
Hialeah packs 'em in
Even on a weeknight, the slot and poker players pack Hialeah Park Casino while others linger in a massive line for player's club cards. The casino, part of an attempt to revitalize the historic horse track, has been busier than expected since opening Aug. 14. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Turning grass into gas
For almost 200 years cellulosic ethanol has had the potential to be one of the world’s greenest fuels. Unlike corn ethanol, cellulosic doesn’t rely on food crops. The trick is to make the ethanol sustainably, in bulk, and at a price that competes with crude oil. More at Salon.
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