TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A bill to protect and restore Florida's springs and waterways is now law, despite objections by environmentalists and some legislators that it's been weakened by loopholes and the influence of agriculture and business interests.
Gov. Rick Scott signed the legislation (SB 552) Thursday, plus a package of bills increasing educational and career aid for the intellectually disabled. They were the first major bills passed by the Florida Legislature in this year's session and top priorities of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner.
Former Gov. Bob Graham led last-minute efforts by environmental groups to urge Scott to veto the water bill instead of signing it.
Critics acknowledged there are some good points in the law but say its enforcement measures are too weak to save Florida's devastated springs.
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1/21/2016 4:10:15 PM (GMT -5:00)
