ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- A bill that would give the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind the power of eminent domain passed a legislative committee today.
A group of about a dozen concerned neighbors left for Tallahassee shortly before 4 this morning to voice their opposition to a proposed bill that would give the school the power to buy surrounding property without the owner's consent at current market value.
The bill passed out of the House Economic Affairs Meeting, 12-6.
People who live near the school worry that if the bill becomes law, they would be left without homes.
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"It's a scary thing," said George Gardner, the former mayor of St. Augustine. "These fine folks that have joined in ... (and) will send a message that this community cares about its history."
The members of the group that traveled to Tallahassee this morning were allowed 30 seconds each to argue before the committee. The short period was due to committee time restrictions.
Gardner said he understood the reason behind the restrictions but the lack of time to argue their case was "very unfortunate."
First Coast News