-
U.S. Sugar seeks OK for huge development after news it paid for GOP leaders’ trips
By Dan Christensen
BrowardBulldog.org
Weeks after news that Gov. Rick Scott and Florida GOP leaders took secret hunting trips to Texas financed by Florida’s sugar industry, U.S. Sugar and Hilliard Brothers are pushing plans for a massive new development in rural Hendry County near the northwest edge of the Everglades. The Sugar Hill Sector Plan envisions turning more than 67 square miles of sugar cane fields, citrus groves and pasture lands into a planned community. -
Miami developer hires governor’s pal; Scott, Cabinet green light Watson Island project
By Francisco Alvarado
BrowardBulldog.org
In late March, state emails show, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection was poised to pull the plug on a long-delayed, contentious plan to build a resort and mega-yacht marina on Miami’s Watson Island. But developer Flagstone Island Gardens had an ace in the hole. A month earlier, the company hired Fort Lauderdale lobbyist William “Billy” Rubin, a longtime personal friend, business associate and political supporter of Gov. Rick Scott. -
Scott campaign ad touting jobs record stars convicted smuggler
By Francisco Alvarado
BrowardBulldog.org
A Cuban-born grocery store owner starring in a Rick Scott Spanish language television campaign ad touting the governor’s job creation record was convicted on human smuggling charges in St. Maarten four years ago. THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED -
Holness: Margate isn’t the only city that’s mishandled CRA funds
By William Gjebre
BrowardBulldog.org
In the wake of a critical inspector general’s report that accused Margate of mishandling millions of dollars in community redevelopment funds, Broward Commissioner Dale Holness says he expects similar findings of wrongdoing about other cities as the county’s investigation continues. -
New law drives lobbyists out of the shadows at state water management districts
By Dan Christensen
BrowardBulldog.org
Florida’s five water management districts, special-purpose governments that collectively will spend $1.1 billion next year, have publicly registered 250 special-interest lobbyists since new registration requirements took effect July 1.
Support Florida Bulldog
Florida Bulldog’s year end fundraising season started Nov. 1 and runs through the end of the year. We are now in our 16th year of providing free, in-depth watchdog reporting on stories of public importance. We exist thanks to your generosity.
Right now your contribution means more than ever. Contributions up to $1,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by NewsMatch a collaborative fundraising movement to support fact-based and nonpartisan journalism in the U.S. In keeping with transparency, we publicly acknowledge all donors on site.
If you believe in the value of watchdog journalism, please make your tax-deductible contribution today.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Join Our Email List
Florida Bulldog delivers fact-based watchdog reporting as a public service that’s essential to a free and democratic society. We are nonprofit, independent, nonpartisan, experienced. No fake news here.