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On the surface, it would seem like that FWC letter carries the ultimate power, but when I have read so many articles about Governor Ron DeSantis' backdoor dealing to cater to developers on environmentally sensitive properties, I don't know what will go. It is not a good property for development, regardless of the tortoise conservation easement. It is too close to a known sinkhole area, too close to the blue sink, and has major natural gas lines going through it. The developers don't care though, as long as they make their almighty $$$$. I would hate to see that conservation easement changed. I think even if the tortoises we're dug out and moved, many would die. I don't see anyway that they could locate them all. I have seen the results of tortoises caught under the bulldozers. I saw tortoises ran over and they managed to walk away with their shells cracked wide open and were walking down Vick Road. This was at the development at the end of Welch Road and Vick Road. The one with wall around it there at the red light, years ago, when it was developed. It was distressing to me to see it. I called FWC, an agent came out, by the roadside as I waited for them, and told me that they had a permit, and there was nothing that could be done. They were allowed by state law back then, to bury them alive with a permit issued by the state. Those tortoises I saw were huge. They loved that area there because it was very high ground, not prone to flooding. The very same reason the developers liked the property, and it was close to Errol Estate, was a plus

From: Florida Wildlife Commission's letter to Rock Springs Ridge HOA President warns against developing gopher tortoise conservation area

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