Sunday, January 24, 2016

Identifying Local Opportunities

Red-light camera ban mulled | Lawmaker calls them ‘taxation through citation’


Summary: This article discusses the problem that red light cameras are causing in Florida. The article shows the different view points from those in the House Economics Affairs Committee, the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, local governments and county lobbyists. Some want to keep the cameras because of the revenue they generate for the government, while those concerned with safety want them gone. The article presents the incident that first invoked the implementation of red light cameras, but then includes statistics showing how the red light cameras have actually caused more harm than good.

Problem: The problem in this article is whether to ban red light cameras, or continue their use. While they were put in to promote a safer road, they have actually caused more accidents. Therefore, they are only useful to generate money.

Who: The ones who have the problem in the article directly are the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. They want the red light cameras banned so the roads are safer, which is their job to promote. I feel that drivers are also the ones with the problem from the article. Drivers are less safe on the roads with these red light cameras. It is shown through statistics.


Board endorses zoning change near beach | Developer Mike Miller sought 15th condo unit


Summary: The Venice Planning Commission is recommending that a zone change happen to allow 15 new condos to be built right across from the beach. Residents of the area are speaking out against these plans for they don’t want more residential areas to be built.

Problem: The problem is a disagreement on what should be built in the Venice community, right across from the beautiful beach. The Venice Planning Commission is all for having Mike Miller build these new condominiums, but the current residents don’t want this at all. Preferably, they wanted the city to buy the land to build a park.

Who: The people with the problem are the residents of Venice who do not agree with the plans for building new condominiums. They would rather have something for themselves and their families to enjoy, like a park.


Facing the obstacles to housing | County leaders grapple with affordability issue


Summary: This article discusses the problem of a lack of affordable homes in Manatee County. The biggest issue is to have homes that are affordable, and also in a safe area near shops and schools. This problem has become even more grand since the recession because the housing market has since improved.

Problem: Manatee County is having an issue getting the necessary funds for affordable housing in safe areas. Money is not being properly allocated to provide for affordable homes. The article even states that state legislators have been taking money from an affordable house trust fund to balance the state budget.

Who: Manatee County Commission is one of the stakeholders experiencing this problem. They are not able to get the proper funds to provide affordable homes to the residents of Manatee County. Making them also the ones with the problem. Manatee County residents do not have opportunities to get an affordable home in a safe are that is also relatively close to shops, work, and schools.


Nonprofit forming to focus on housing


Summary: This article discusses the hopes of the citizens in Sarasota to start a philanthropic, non profit program called “Take Me Home”. This program is supposed to help the homeless of Sarasota and take care of the chronic homeless problem. The program already has a few board of directors, but they are missing an executive director, and the money to fund this project.

Problem: There are two problems that I can pinpoint from this article, depending on what perspective you’re looking at it from. The first problem is the problem that the article is directly addressing, the problem of homelessness and the lack of effort put forth in fixing this problem. The second problem is the problem with the new program they are trying to implement. The program is very costly so the members must find ways to get donations and raise money to really implement this program.

Who: Like the previous article, I also see two groups of people experiencing a problem. The first problem is the new programs lack of funds and organization. They currently don’t have a leader and are lacking the funds to kick off their program. The others experiencing a problem are the homeless of Sarasota. They have no where to turn, no where to go, no where to sleep and this program could really help turn their lives around.


Land’s fate rests on funding | Foundation needs to raise $22 million in six months


Summary: This article discusses the time crunch to raise $22 million in order to conserve 5,800 acres of land in Southwest Florida. This piece of land is very important to North Port specifically because part of it provides fresh drinking water to the city. It is one of the most desired properties in Florida for conservation and is part of the “Florida Forever” program.

Problem: The problem is very obvious in this article. The problem is that the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast needs to raise enough money, and quickly, in order to preserve almost 6,00 acres of important land.

Who: The ones experiencing the problem are those trying to raise the money to conserve the land, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. As well as North Port because North Port’s fresh drinking water comes from this land that is needing the funds to be conserved properly. Without the money, the drinking water could be tainted and that would affect the whole city of North Port.


2 comments:

  1. I really liked your blog post. It was well written and completely easy to understand and read.
    I liked how you really thought deeply into the situation; it showed how much work you put into this assignment.
    I also really love the organization you put into this; it is just very visually appealing to the eye.
    Overall, I think you did a great job, and it makes me want to redo my whole blog post. xD

    But do feel free to check it out if you want to.
    http://laurenent3003.blogspot.com/2016/01/identifying-local-opportunities.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice work Rachel! My favorite article was the red light cameras. I have fallen victim to these cameras. This article really interests me and I would like to know more. Though I have been caught by a red light camera myself I don't see how they can be harmful. I really like the layout of your blog and your formatting of this post. My blog is slightly different. You should check it out.
    Here is the link: http://floridagirlss.blogspot.com/2016/01/identifying-local-opportunities.html

    ReplyDelete