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Governor chided over jobs losses in U.S. Sugar deal

Palm Beach Post – August 26, 2008

TALLAHASSEE — The chairman of the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee warned Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday that the deal to purchase U.S. Sugar could have “drastic consequences” for the state’s economy.

“The taxpayers of Florida cannot afford to buy land we do not need, at the expense of the valuable agricultural jobs that are vital to our region,” wrote Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales.

Alexander asked Crist for a “conceptual plan outlining your commitment to preserving thousands of jobs that are in jeopardy as a result of this acquisition.” Crist’s office responded that officials from the state Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development have been working with agricultural communities to accelerate local economic development plans.

“The governor shares his concerns,” Crist spokesman Sterling Ivey said.

Crist unveiled a plan this year to buy 187,000 acres owned by U.S. Sugar Corp. for $1.7billion to help restore natural water flow through the Everglades.

While the South Florida Water Management District negotiates the deal, sugar giant Florida Crystals is lobbying to develop an inland port south of Lake Okeechobee and within the proposed pathway of the state’s restoration efforts, as a way to make up for job losses in the U.S. Sugar deal.

Water managers, who hope to have a deal by Nov. 30, have said it could take two months to determine how the port would affect restoration efforts.

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