Politics

Doral-inspired blocking new waste-to-energy plants a half-mile from populated areas advances in Senate

Published

12 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Two years after Miami-Dade County’s waste-to-energy plant burnt to a crisp, there may be new safeguards in place to protect residents from another such blaze.

Members of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted 8-0 to advance a bill (SB 1008) that would block any future waste incineration facility from being built within a half-mile of population centers.

The bill, effective July 1, would apply the restriction to sites a half-mile (2,640 feet) from any residential property, school or commercial property.

Hialeah Gardens Republican Sen. Bryan Ávila, the measure’s sponsor, said the proposed change wouldn’t apply to existing facilities. He’s also looking at amending the bill to allow more allowances near commercial properties.

Florida has 10 waste-to-energy facilities statewide, according to the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition whose Executive Director, Joe Kilsheimer, spoke against SB 1008 on Monday.

Kilsheimer argued that waste-to-energy, when compared to landfilling and older trash incineration methods, is far and away the superior method for disposing of trash. He said waste-to-energy facilities annually prevent landfilling 5 million tons of municipal solid waste that would otherwise produce methane emissions, create toxic runoff, take up huge areas of land and require post-closure remediation that can last up to a century.

It also recovers and recycles more than 200,000 tons of metal yearly, enough to build 140 cars, he said, adding that in other areas in the state and across the country — from Lake County and Fort Lauderdale to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center outside the Twins’ ballpark in Minneapolis — waste-to-energy facilities are situated far closer to cities than Ávila’s bill would allow.

“In fact, in major countries around the world, waste-to-energy facilities are often sited in the middle of major cities, literally next to school and home,” he said. “Because waste-to-energy is a proven, safe and reliable technology.”

Residents of Doral, where the Miami-Dade plant burned for nearly three weeks in early 2023, have a different perspective, and they’ve fought plans to construct a replacement within the city’s bounds. So have those who live in the Broward County city of Miramar, where a nearby site has been floated as an alternative place to build the plant.

*Firefighters respond to a February 2023 blaze at a waste-to-energy plant in Doral. Image via Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue.*

Facing that opposition already, Miami-Dade is also against SB 1008 in its present form. Executive Assistant County Attorney Jess McCarty told the committee the bill’s restriction on projects near commercial areas is a non-starter.

“The way the bill reads currently, all five sites currently under consideration for a new facility in Miami-Dade would be ineligible under the bill,” he said.

Ávila said that concern was already on his radar and would likely be addressed soon through an amendment. Other changes may include language specifying from what part of the facility the half-mile distance would be measured. Ávila said the incinerator stack or cooling tower could be the “central point from which we have that distance.”

But a change is needed, he said. A representative from the environmentally focused Sierra Club agreed and signaled support for SB 1008.

Ávila briefly detailed what Doral residents experienced after the facility caught fire. Flames erupted outside of the building numerous times. Ash filled the sky, covering cars and homes. Many residents couldn’t go outside for any extended length of time because of the contaminated air.

The incident caught the attention of President Donald Trump’s second son, Eric Trump, who has opposed rebuilding the plant in Doral, where his father owns a golf resort.

Ávila acknowledged the half-mile restriction may make it difficult for some local governments. Lake Mary Republican Sen. Jason Brodeur said that the commercial restriction, which encompasses agricultural operations, would make it all but impossible in some areas of the state.

“But I think having some sort of buffer there,” Ávila said, “is something that’s imperative. I don’t live within a half-mile of one of these facilities, but I know a lot of residents that do, and they tend to be not very well off, and they tend to not have many options as it relates to housing.

“So, my heart is really with those residents and trying to make sure that moving forward for any new facility that we have some protections for those residents and that local governments are not allowing for a massive development around these sites where there should be at least a little bit of space.”

SB 1008 will next go to the Senate Community Affairs Committee, after which it has one more stop before reaching a floor vote. Its House twin (HB 1609) by Republican Reps. David Borrero of Sweetwater and Meg Weinberger of Palm Beach Gardens awaits a hearing before the first of three committees to which it was referred this month.

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Politics

High-tech science keeps Floridians safe from mosquito-borne disease

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

May Greene

As the director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida, I am fortunate to have access to world-class scientific minds and cutting-edge technology.

But in Florida, this expertise and innovation doesn’t just stay in the classroom or laboratory. They are deployed in all 67 counties to control mosquitoes, keep residents and visitors safe, and ensure our state remains the best in the nation to live and work.

Florida has long been an international leader in mosquito control. The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) was founded over 100 years ago by local business leaders who realized that the state’s economy and health required vigilant and collaborative approaches to reduce the risk.

Since then, our work and expertise have become internationally renowned. Florida hosts symposiums that bring mosquito control professionals from around the world, eager to learn and share successful approaches to keeping the public safe.

There are more than 80 species of mosquitoes in Florida. While most pose little or no threat, many can carry harmful or deadly diseases for humans and animals.

For example, some mosquitoes carry the dengue virus, which sickens hundreds of millions worldwide yearly.

While the disease is relatively rare in Florida, our state experienced more than 1,000 travel-related and 91 local cases of dengue virus in 2024.

How do we work to protect Floridians from this disease? We deploy a wide range of techniques, and each of our mosquito control districts works together.

In labs around the state, highly trained scientists analyze mosquitoes to determine if they are carrying disease.

They also monitor livestock and chickens, who act as early warning systems. Scientists routinely take and analyze blood samples to determine if mosquito-carried diseases are present.

We also take to the air with tools like the Skydio drone, a powerful tool for identifying mosquito breeding grounds from above. Drones provide the ability to visually inspect and perform control measures in otherwise difficult-to-reach areas.

With some mosquitoes resistant to traditional pesticides, innovative strategies make Florida an international leader in cutting-edge mosquito control techniques.

Among those is the “Sterile Insect Technique,” which uses X-rays to sterilize male mosquitos, which are released to mate with females with resulting eggs that are not viable.

The Florida Keys Mosquito District has also successfully used Oxitec’s targeted biological pest control technology to combat the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito.

But even with the technology and science being used around the state to control mosquitoes, one of the most effective tools will always remain smart vigilance from every Floridian.

Preparing for mosquitoes is similar to what Floridians do each hurricane season. Simple steps like removing standing water and wearing insect repellant can reduce mosquitoes around your home and mitigate public health risks.

The truth is that mosquitoes will continue to carry diseases and adapt to some control measures. That means we must also continue to adapt, and creating and using innovative practices will always be needed to keep Florida safe and welcoming for everyone.

For more information, visit FMCA by clicking here.

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Dr. Jorge Rey is the FMCA president and professor at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory.

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Politics

Carlos San Jose joins Corcoran Partners

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

May Greene

Carlos San Jose has joined Corcoran Partners as Deputy General Counsel.

Based in Miami, San Jose brings his extensive experience in legislative advocacy, municipal operations and legal consulting to the firm’s expanding client base across their five Florida offices and in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to Corcoran Partners,” said Michael Corcoran, Founding Partner and CEO. “Carlos is a skilled communicator who takes a strategic, results-driven approach to law, government affairs, and public policy. We are confident he will quickly become an integral part of our team and a trusted advocate for our clients.”

Managing Partner Matthew Blair added, “Carlos’s addition will strengthen our local and statewide capabilities for our growing client base. His background in government affairs, coupled with his legal expertise, positions him to help our clients navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges.”

Before joining Corcoran Partners, San Jose served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Assistant State Attorney for the City of Hialeah, where he formulated the City’s legislative initiatives at the federal and state levels. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo.

“Carlos has worked for me since 2018 dating back to my time as chair of the Miami Dade County Commission,” Bovo said.

“During his time with me, I have been able to witness Carlos flourish in a variety of roles including campaign manager for my mayoral campaign, Deputy Chief of Staff, and most recently as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this latest role, Carlos has diligently worked with the City of Hialeah’s legislative delegation to secure historic levels of funding through the appropriations process. I am excited to see Carlos embrace this new chapter in his professional life and congratulate Corcoran Partners for this valued addition to their team.”

San Jose’s career in politics started on the campaign trail, where he managed Bovo’s 2021 mayoral campaign. He also spent time working on former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 re-election campaign and served as an immigration and policy intern in Rubio’s Miami office.

“I have known Carlos San Jose for nearly a decade and have seen him grow professionally and personally,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner and former state Sen. Rene Garcia. “I truly admire his ability to connect with people, build relationships, and his diligent work ethic. Carlos is a person of the utmost integrity and Corcoran Partners is lucky to have him.”

Rep. Alex Rizo added, “Carlos has been a vital asset to the City of Hialeah in their legislative efforts here in Tallahassee. I have been able to see him grow professionally and have been proud to work with him during his time at the city.”

San Jose is actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Monsignor Edward Pace High School and St. John the Apostle Catholic School. His leadership also extends to serving on the City’s Retirement Pension Board and as Vice Chair of the Hialeah Centennial Celebration Committee. He earned his law degree from Florida International University and his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Miami.

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Politics

County clerks and elections supervisors could appeal county budget decisions under bill

Published

5 hours ago

March 18, 2025

May Greene

A Senate panel backed a bill Monday to give county clerks and elections supervisors a path to appeal budget disputes with the state if they are fighting the Board of County Commissioners over money.

If that happens, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Office would hold a budget hearing on the appeals and then recommend the appeals to the administration commission, which would issue the final ruling.

SB 1260 cleared the Senate Community Affairs Committee with an 8-0 vote before it heads to the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Fiscal Policy Committee.

Some Democrats asked questions during the debate before voting in favor of it.

Sen. Shevrin Jones asked bill sponsor Sen. Clay Yarborough if clerks and elections supervisors would now be allowed to “go over the heads of the county commissioners when it comes to the budget?”

Yarborough argued no and said they would follow the same process as County Sheriffs currently use for their budget appeals.

“It’s really an additional avenue of appeal, if you will. And it doesn’t mean it automatically gets adopted,” Yarborough said. “It allows for an additional hearing.”

Sen. Barbara Sharief said the bill could make the laborious local budgeting process even harder for counties.

“It would make it a little bit more difficult for the counties to get through their budget process, be able to collaborate and actually figure out whether or not they can actually fund what the constitutional (officer) is asking for,” Sharief said. “It’s going to apply an additional pressure on the county as it’s going through that budgeting process.”

In Orange County last year, the DeSantis-appointed Elections Supervisor, Glen Gilzean, fought with County Commissioners over his budget. He spent millions on non-election-related matters, which surprised the county board, which voted to stop making budget payments to Gilzean’s office in his last weeks on the job before his term ended. Gilzean sued, saying that he had control over making decisions as a constitutional officer. The lawsuit ran out of time and was later dismissed.