Control Growth & Protect Our Communities

Control Growth & Protect Our Communities

Florida is growing fast. New homes, shopping centers, and apartment complexes are appearing in places that used to be quiet neighborhoods, open fields, or woods. Growth itself is not the enemy—but uncontrolled growth can come at a high cost for the people who already live here.

In District 29, residents are seeing more traffic, more flooding, and more pressure on roads, schools, and emergency services. What used to be a 10‑minute drive can turn into 30 minutes or more. Yards that never flooded before now hold standing water after a heavy rain. Longtime residents feel like decisions are being made about their communities without their input.

People understand that Florida will grow. They just want that growth to be realistic, responsible, and respectful of the communities that are already here.

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Who Should Decide How We Grow?

Too often, decisions about development are made far from the neighborhoods that will feel the impact. State‑level priorities, special interests, and outside developers can end up shaping the future of a town more than the people who actually live there.

Don believes:

- Local communities—not distant power centers—should guide growth

- Infrastructure must be ready before major new development is approved

- Residents deserve a real voice in how their community changes

That means city and county governments should have the flexibility and authority they need to protect quality of life. It should not be easy for powerful interests to override local concerns just because it benefits them financially.

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The Cost of Ignoring Infrastructure

When growth moves faster than planning, the results are easy to see:

- Roads become congested and dangerous

- Schools become crowded

- Drainage systems get overwhelmed, leading to more frequent flooding

- Emergency services are stretched thin

Approving large developments without solid infrastructure plans is like building a house on a weak foundation. It might stand for a while, but the cracks will show—and local families are the ones who pay the price in time, safety, and property damage.

Don supports tying major development approvals to clear, realistic infrastructure plans. Roads, drainage, utilities, schools, and public safety must be able to handle new residents before projects move forward.

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Protecting the Character of Our Communities

Poorly planned growth doesn’t just create traffic and flooding—it can erase the very qualities that drew people to a community in the first place. Small‑town character, historic streets, open spaces, and quiet neighborhoods can all be changed quickly and permanently.

Don believes communities should not have to choose between no growth and chaotic growth. With thoughtful planning, strong local voices, and real accountability, we can:

- Welcome new neighbors

- Protect property values

- Preserve the character and safety of our communities

Florida will continue to grow. The question is how—and for whom. Don is running to make sure growth serves the people who live here, not just those who profit from building here.