Supporters say ‘Blue Ribbon Project’ is smart growth — critics fear it will spur sprawl

By: Mitch Perry

Outlets: Florida Phoenix

Published: February 26, 2026

Words: 829

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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A proposal to allow developments of 15,000 or more contiguous acres with at least 60% of the land set as “reserve area” and 40% for commercial and residential use on land already designated for future use was approved in its final committee stop in the Florida House on Thursday.

Labeled “Blue Ribbon Projects,” the proposal has drawn substantial criticism from environmental groups, which contend that, as originally written, the bill would have fast-tracked massive developments …

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