at a time when the habitable areasl
8auth Florida were more or less/
to the narrow coastal/
ridge. Agricultural development in/
this region then was extremelyl
limited because the high sand landl
appeared to be unsuited to manyl
kinds of crops, and the adjacent/
muck lands were water logged andl
inimdated too much of the time to/
permit farming The hrerglad
hfnterland surrounding Mfami
by man as a forbiddir
swamp harboring snakes,
tars and mosquitoes, unlivable
useless to the pioneer i
who had brought their homes to i
borders, With the construction
the hliaml Canal and other


and it C often difficult to reconcile
the various conflicts arising be-
twea different interests in the
settlement of a new coumry. Prob-
ably few persons would contend
that there should have been no
drainage development in south
Florida; few would have the pre-
sent developments revert to a wild-
erness swamp; the real qnestlon
seems to be hew iar and how
should sueh developments go.
Amerioans have been profligate
wasteful in their exploitation
o~ the nature~ wealth oi the coun
try. Soilnd water rue among the
precious of these natural re-
sourceq end it is well to give care-
ful consideration to the manner of


drainage d
loarer wate
tended pu
however, i:
age, and fr
term are's
that cond
drouth are
drainage, i:
lack dra
Eessive eva
Tobefu
cilities ma
ing surfaa
heavy rain
vent har~r
it in believe
iaaltn oi dr
Florida ha


I


Drainage iactlldeel have made
possible the occupancy and utiliza-
Man oi extensive'lcw lands adjaz
cent tQ Miamf,
Digging the drainage outlets and
lowering the water table in the
coastal area has permitted slrmd-
ward incursion o~ salt water at
depth, and auriace incursion
through the drainage canals.
This slew but persistent en-
croacbmsnt ei salinity bas twice
previsuslg compelled moving the
Mlual well iisld, rinrrllg located
near ttde waterto locations iyther
,removsd, gait contamination now
again threatens tbs water supply,
having been drawn into the webs
trom tbs adjacent Miuni Cana.


RePRINT FROM


MIAMI DAILY NEWS, Sundry, Jun~ O,


Tha boord of eup~nbon.at tk bode Dminoge dktrit) feel thot t)to following
raper) by Corl A. Beck, infernotionolly ~nown civil anginear, it of vitol concern
lo evary psrron living in Dode county in view of prerant heolth conditions. For


Yell
Au~



dcte

witA
Dod
C01


t~ot rsoron, Mr. Bock't report it pretented ~ara in tvll.


MI. BocL wot vic6 pratidhnt cmd ouirfont


lo D~ Artlitrr


Morgen,


ot th,


Morgen bginr~ring Compony, wbic)r prrperwl )hr originol plonr ~tor droinege end


wotcr control in the Dada droinoge dirfrict in 1927.


Svbtcquanlly, MI. locrt wat


msitton) chiet snginsrr in chorgr of detign cmd conr)ruc)ion for trhe Ten~eue~


'wh ioh Uwonld result in pr emcrturely
drying out Moccupied lend& with
andesinrble lire haz&rd&n Conser
ration plans are desirrrbl& and
could be furthered by public park
and forest reservations approprl
atelg protected. There is yet I, large
area of Everglades untouched by
drainage asnsl~. Speciiio plans
should be developed for conserving
the wat~ wooan~8a ai theae lende
for future use and for
the muck sob itself against okida-
tion rrd iirea
Absence of drainage however L
nof a cure all ior the fire menrcre~
Lack of drainage, and even reterd-
ing dikes or leveeq do not alimin-
hip thn nfinnh nr


I


I





LA\W OFFICES
ANLEY P. GALDWlELL
HARVEY BUILDING
WEST PALM BEAOH, FLORBIDA


MADISON F.PACETTI
H. ELMO ROBINSON
ASSO~1ATES


TELEPHONE4949


July 24, 1946


Mlr. Ernest R. Graham
Graham' s Dairy, Inc.
H~ialeah, Florida


~C~-6~3~'

\p~e',F""


Dear M~r. Graham: /

Receipt is acknowledged of yourc_1siht y gf__~e,
July 20th regarding the Evejrggadess Drainage District
bond you have presented to the Federal court.

Mlr. Sprigg showed me this bond just as I was
leaving Mia~mi last week, and I did not secure complete
data in respect to the matter.

I have written Mr~. Sprigg for further informa-
tion, and when I hear from his I will write you again.


MYPC :w





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VOTE "YESH IN THE WATER CONTROL ELECTION TUESDAY,DECEMBER gTH, TO INSURE DADE COUNTY
HAVING ADEQUATE, PRESH WATER THE YEAR-ROUND WITHOUT DISASTROUS FLOODS AND DROUGHTS.,

As you voTE RYES" vou PRoTECT YOUR FAMILY AND HOME AND TAKE A DEFSNIVE PART IN OADE
COUNTY IS FUTURE. CERTAIN SELFISH INTERESTS ARE OPPOSED TO THIS ISSUE, THEIR NEGATIVE
VOTE WirLL DEPRIVE YOU OF WATER CONSERVATION ADVANTAGES. FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH, C~ELFARE,
AND EcoNouv vors nYESR )N THE WATRm CONSERVATION ELECTION TUESDAv, DECEMBER 9YH, THE
ISSUE ON THE VOTING MACHINE READS AS FOLLOWS:

i'DO YOU APPROVE THE PROVISIONS OF ChAPTER 24465. LAWS OF FLORIDA, Acts or 1947, WHICH
PROVIDE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ANY DRAINAGE DIStRICT OWNING LANDS IN DADE COUNTY MAY
ESTABLISH A CERTAIN AREA THEREIN FOR CONSERVATION OF WATER AND SO)L;YHAT SUCH DISTRICT
OR ANY LAND-0WNER WITHIN SUCH CONSERVATION AREA MAY DEDICATE FOR SUCH PURPOSE 1YS OR
HIS LANDS WITHIN SUCH CONSERVATION AREA; ANO EMPOWERING SUCH DISTRICT TO COOPERATE
WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES AND BOOSES, tO CANCEL TAXES OF SUCH DISTRICT AND TAX SALES
CERTIFICATES OF SUCH DISTRICT HELD BY IT, ON LANDS IN THE CONSERVATION AREA, TO RE-
LIEVE LANDS WITHIN THE CONSERVATION AREA OF FUTURE TAXES OF SUCH OISTRICT, TO REDEEM
TAX SALES CERT1IClATES EXISTING ON SUCH LANDS IN SUCH CONSERVATION AREA, TO EXCHANGE
LANDS OUTSIDE THE CONSERVATION AREA FOR LANDS WITHIN SUCH AREA, TO EMPLOY ATTORNEYS
AND PAY THEIR FEES, AND 70 00 ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CONSUMMATE THE PURPOSES OF SUCH
CONSERVATION AREAln

"IF YOU APPROVE SAID CHAPTER 24465, YOU ~ILL VOTE "YES" ON THE QUESTION. IF YOU
DISAPPROVE SALD CHAPTER 2!4465 AFORESAID, YOU WrILL VOTE "NO' ON THE QUESTION.n





WATER CONISERVATION ELECTION~ DE~CEM\IBER 91, 1947

ON DECEMBER 9 EVERY REGISTERED VOYER OF DADE COUNTY IS URGED TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE ELECTION TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A WAYER CONSERVATION AREA MAY DE5 ESTABLISHED
IN THIS COUNTY,

OUR WATER PROBLEM IS NOT ENTIRELY A OIRAINAGElI PROBLEM NOR IS IT ENTIRELY
A! trONSERVAT!ON" PROBLEM. IT I S ATHER A COMBiNATIO0N OF THE TWnO AND CAN BE SUMME~D UP
UNDER WATER CONTrRObl. THE PROPOSeD c:ONSERVATION~ AREA W;LL STORE WATER FOR USE IN ORY
PERIODS AND WIVLL; P ;O'cif>E: il:-A DIS AR. AIA RA:G NAi WAHR THE CONSE~RVA-
TION AREA WILL Hl.Sc` PUvC.OE A rFlOOD B/:'R ER PRFO';i.'.~iNG cPUI..A"EDD AIND CULTIVATED AREAS.
IT Is A fiMUST"' if UADIE iCoUNTYr is rcO iONITIIZE TO GROW APND P70'RO ERiN FUTURE VSARS.

THE VARIOUS DRAINAGE' DISTRi OTS HAVE CHARGE OF DRArINAGE. THIE COUNTY COMVI)S--
SION HAS CHANGE OF WArC E.R CONSEi\'AMrO, WiLL'!HER HAEr G;cNrO'L OcR(: ilHE OTHER AND NONE
H~AS GENERAL AUTHOFR; nv OR WATER CONTROL. CQNSEQUENZ'i:j;.J.( iiN ORER TO CE';'PLISH AN;
OVIN~',.L CONTR~OL. WMr:Yi'h' JCTH OROUTH AND -FL30D CON:J!ii'f.CNS CAN F3E AL.LE~;iATEO3, AND :N MOST
INS AN:ICES PRELZNTED,::';~c 10 ..ElSLATURE OF F~LORIDA AYI 1'YS LAST SESStPON PASSED CNA;P:ER
2 1 ).6j THIs Act, ,1 avenr:ovro ev THE voTERs or ADkE COUNTY ON DECEMBER q, GIjVKS AUTHORe
IYv TIO ANv DRAINAGE DISTP~LOT OWNING LANDS IN DADE COUNTY TO SEY UP A CONSERVAYJOrl AREA,
A.ND TO0 DO WHAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CONTROL THE SITUATION, THIS AREA IS BOUNDED UN 'THE
WVEST RIV THE HIGH LAND NEAR tHE 0ADE-COLLIER COUNTY LINE ANDT ON THE NORTH B:Y THE DJADE-
BRoWARD LINE. THE TAMIAMI TRAIL AND KROME AVENUE WILL FORM BOUNDARIES ON YHE So'ins!
AND .uST. THERE HAS ALREADY DEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE VOTERS OF BROWARD COUNTY A CONSER-
VATcION AREA LYING IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF THE ONE PROPOSED fOR DADE COUNTY, THE TWO T'O-
GEYMER WILL FORM A SINGLE UNIY, IN THIS VAST AREA WILL BE IMPOUNDED WATERS tO PREVENT
DROUTH CONDITIONS SUCH AS WE HAD YWO YEARS AGO LAST SUMMER AND FLOOD CONDITIONS SUCH
AS WE HAD THIS SUMMER AND PALL AND ARE STILL HAVING.

THUS BOTH WATER CONSERVATION AND FLOOD CONTROL WILL BE MADE EFFECTIVE.
NEITHER WILL DE DESTROYED. ON 7HE coNTRARY, A BETTER SYSTEM OF DRAINAGE WILL DE ESTAB--
LI SHED FOR IMMEDIATE USE WHENEVER NEEDED, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE FLORIDA AROSE FROM
THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAS, WE CAN MORE NEARLY MAINTAIN THE FRESH WATER TABLE WHERE IT
SHOULD 8E NEITHER TOO HIGH NOR YOO LOW,

THIS PLAN FITS IN WITH THE ARMY ENoINEcasI oVERALL PLAN OF FLOOD CONTROL
AND WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART THEREOF, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL REQUIRE US, THE
PEOPLE OF DADE COUNTY, TO LAY tHE GROUNDWORK, OF WHICH THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL PARTY.
UNLESS WE DO OURi PARTY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE NOTHING TO 00 WITH It.

BEFORfE ANYTHING CAN nE DONE, HOWEVER, tHE VOTERS OF DADE COUNTY MUST
APPROVE THIS LAW,

WHY A WATER CONSERVATION AREA

fHE AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR tHE COUNTY IS ABOUT 9 moNCES ANo THSs
SHOULD BE SUPPYrCIENT to PULCFILL WATER NEEDS FOR ANY FUTURE INCREASES OF AGRICULTURAL,
INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS IF PROPERLY HANDLED, HOWEVER .OUR SUD-YROPlCAL
CLIMATE WITH 1YS MARKED WEY AND DRY SEASONS, AND THE PERSISYCNTLY HIGH RATE OF CVAPO--
RATION THROUGHOUT ALL THE YEAR, COMBINE TO PRESENT PROBLEMS OF WATER CONTROL AND
WATER CONSERVATION NOT EXPERIENCED IN OTHER REGIONS,





A SIX-MONNTH PERIOD EXTENDING FROM W v THRnouG Defoots onomi)JtY MAKE UP
THE RA INV SEASON AND FURNIhSHhS .AP RBX1Mk~jtY Y tWREE--fOlURYME Of tHE VRA'CLY RAINFALL.
THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL ARE RELAY4VELY DRY, ~FURlhFAMIlNG ODnLY ONE-FOURTH
OF THE YEARSS RAIN, YET ST IS DURINd THIS PERIOD THAT DEMANDS_ CdA AGRICULTURAL AND
PUBLIC SUPPLY ARE HEAVIEST, FUnTHERNX3RE, EVAPORATION LOSSE% ARE NORMALLY GREATER
THAN RAINFALL DURING THIS PERIOD SO THERE IS A DE$IC)+ OF WATER DURING THE DRY
SEASON. SUMuro up, THIS MEANS THAT FOR SouTH FLoRIDA TO HAVE A YEAR-ROUND WAYER
SUPPLY, THE SURPLUS RAINFALL DURING THE: SUMMER MONTHS MUST PE STORED FOR USE DURING
THE REMAINDER OF 70% ytAR,

AqTCR MAY DE STORED IN TWO WAYS, BY SURFACE SfORAGE AS LAKES OR PONOS OR
UNDERGROUND AS GROUND WAYER. CITY SUPPLIES ARE ORDINARILY OBTAINED FROM GROUND-WATER
STORAGE BY MEANS OP WELLS, WHILE IRRIGATION FOR CROPS IS OBTAINED FROM SURFACE STORAGE,
FORTUNATELY THE EAS& ERN HALFP OF DADE COUNTY IS UNDERLAIN WITH A LIMESTONE THAY IS
QUITE POROUS AND CAPABLE OF STORING LARGE QUANTITIES OP GROUND WATER, IT IS ESTIMATED
THAT EACH CUDIC FOOT OF THIS POROUS ROCK WILL STORE APPROXIMATELY B#WS eANO*DArHACF GAL-
LONS OF FREE WATER. HOWEVER FOR GROUND-WATER STORAGE YO BE MAINTAfNEWr nURING DROUGHTS
IT IS NECESSARY THAT IT DE RECHARGED BY SEEPAGE FROM SURFACr SfORAGE4

fN ADDITION TO ASSURING THECOUNtY OF YEAR-ROUND WAIEA ~SUPL# PlA RRTYS FUTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL NEEDS, THIS WATER CONSERVATION AREA WOULD LARGELY PREVENT
THE OCCURRENCE OF REAY FIRES WHICH HAVE DEEN ALMOST ANNUAL EVENTS, FURTHERMORE, THE
RETENTION OF THIS WATER IN LAKES AND PONOS THE YEAR AROUND, RATHER THAN ONLY DURING
THE WVET SEASON AS FORMERLY OCCURRED, WILL SERVE TO INCREASE AND CONSERVE OUR WILD
LIFE WHICH HAS DEEN DEWWCtiSO SINCE tHE GLADES WERE OVERORAINED.

ST-AY1NG AWAY FROM THE POLLS WILL PERMIT THOSE FEW SELC(.SH I DIVIOUALS WHO
WANT THINGS TO CONTINUE AS THEY ARE TO DEFEAT THIS PROPOSITION, jFQZWV RE WORKING,
AND WORKING HARD YO DEFEAT IY, If YOU WANY THE SITUATION TO CONTINUE AS it IS I IF
YOU WANT FLOODS IN RAINY TIMES Ahlb PARCHED SOIL AND TURNING EVERGLADES ANrD A THREAT
TO THE GREATER MIAMI WATER SUPPLY IN TIMES OF OROUTH THEN OPPOSE THIS PLAN.,- STAY
AWAY .FROM~ THE POLLS, (R YOU WANY PLENTY OF WAYERi \WHENEVER YOU NEED ii AND WOT:.TOO
MUCH AT ANY TIME, THEN GET OUT AND WORK, TELL YOUR FRIENDS ADOUT 1T.. $tE THAT THEY
AS WELL A5 YOU GEY TO THE POLLS AND VOTE FOR THIS LAw, VOTE YES,.

THIS 15 SERIOUS. YOU AS WELL AS EVERY OTHER VOiER MUSY NbW Gr? OUT AND
WORK fOR 7ME HEALTH AM~P WW VARE OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY. VorT r'oR THas dCw,
VOTm V.5,





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A bill before the House-ot Reprseentatives in
Tallah~8assee (Rouse Bill 880) Qean save Dade county .taapayetas $136r000
a yearl1 and at the same t~ime r Sipe out the entire E~vergliadear Drainage
distriet tax $intur yeeara
Wlorthn thinking about, isn't it?3
All property west of ;37th are,, ise in thet Everglades
Drainage Dlasis3t i A ner of the fastBest growing; seetionsr of MIIam and this
district paya........
19 78 per cent of the admilnistration tax of the
ENTIRE~E Evergladers D~rainapge distriott
Letta be more slpee~ifie. Coralt Ga~ble8 aittzens pay
about ON3E TRIRDP~f of the ENTIRHE ad~mfintisrtaio taxrld the Everg~lqde DraiLnage
dies rzet!
$his bill1 ( Rgousr rBikll 660)) which would bring
eneh savitngs, would4 abolid)~e the BOnARD of the district and put the collection
.ot ALLr depbt service taxes of the distr$JiOt an~kd agrrseaPEsa payment of arll
bonds into the off~iic, of the ralain 3.sgresea.~~ and assrign eobtrol of there
operation to our county commrisrsionrs.
OpponenlC~ts of this bill have a storyr too. You shauld
knowf that story be you can better judge. Opponentr sp ear A of Florida
should pay for the 1EverglaPdes dtevelBrepaeba, on1 thaba~st that it~a good
for AL lolr iQkda. Sjucceastl QIL diseceoety would be g~ood for all-Florida too,
but that doesht mesrar that; 1Pimirana shadd pay oil company taxeet(
Datse conglerana.pay about $84Y,000 in 9dht service
taese and eaother 658p1000 in Ad Vfalorealtaxesa to the distriot. BUT NOJgt
rAlbrbrMa W1ORKHAS~ B51E EN DONE IN DADEi COUNTY'~FORI THE PAST 10 TEARS)8





WATORI FOR) TB481 TPour11be toldl, 4% yrou haven't been
already? that rashE an aat would adve;Prsety afteet the water consrervationr
progreaa here. The AN~s~WR to t~hat somes fE~romthe chiefengineer o f he,
Evetrgladrfes Drainage- CedistrePiet Quesrtrionta~ed In a hearing txr Ta;llahaseer by
Daeil county rebpresentatiges,, thi s hiet engineers SAID ~t~e pjroposed rese~rvoir
would have JlITTlE maftegifal e~ffet onthe, Mtami Wat~er supply.
TOU BE; THE JUDGE If 3rew want this yearly savings of

$186,000, write~ orwire your senator And representatires in Tallahass~ eeo
vote FOR House Bill23 660.


ED1Abes R. Graham.





hat the paesrsae of P.B.- 660 will mecn to the property
owners in Dade County vest of 27th Avenue.

It will salve them approximately $1,680,000 in Debt S3ervice
Taxes and $1,196,000 in ad valores or a total of approximately
$2,676,000.



If the policy of the Everglades Drainage Board is fol-
loved the last bond will not be retired until 1970. in other
words, we vill pay debt serve tax for another 23 years and ad
valoreM tax as long as the District exists.

If H.B. 660 is passed, the ad valorem will end July 1,
1947, and the debt service in not to exceed four years, and
we believe it will end in two ye;:rs.
The opponents' main obJection to the bill is that there
is no cooarinating body. The proponents of H.B. 660 are willing
to amend bill and make the State Conservation Boear (which is the
whole State Cabinet) the coordinatilng body.
The records show tha~t Dade Cohinty pays 76$ of all ad
valorem taxes in the Distriot. Does this make sense to you? Is
it possible that 784b of all property in the Everg~lade-a Dra inage
District lies in Dade County west of 27th AvenUe? Is it not more
likely that the other counties are not assessing full onerzh villuel
Dan rf
The attorneys for County Commissionee keep referring to the
waster reservoir. Yoau will recall the ChIief Engineer of Ever-
glades Drainage D~istriot stated in reply to a direct question
arsaid that the proposed reservoir would have little material
effect on the Miami water supply.
If H.B. 660 passes the County Commissionerfor Dade County
can establish any reservoir needed.

Owing to the number of lots and small parcels of laind the
present Everglmde~s. Taxes a~re a nuisa.noe tax as far as most of
Dode County is concerned.





PROPOSED EVERGLADES DRAINAGE DISTRICT ACT

RE CONVEYANCES TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

A BILL TO BE BRTITLED


An Act relating to Everglades Drainage District; providing

that the Board of Commissioners of said District shall have power and

authority to convey to the United States, or any department of the

Government thereof, lands of the Distriot, or any interest therein,

upon certain terms and conditions; repealinef all lawss and parts of
laws in conflict therewith.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA:

SECTION 1, The Board of Commissioners of Everaladefi Drainage

District; shall have the xDoler and authority to convey and transfer

to the United States, or a~ny department of the Government thereof,

any land any title to which is, or may hereafter be, vested in said
Board of Commissioners, or any interest in or pertaining~ to any of

said land, upon such terms as may be agreed upon between said Board

and the United States, or any department of the Government thereof,
whenever it shall seem to said Board that to do so will redound to

the benefit of said Everglades Drainage District; subject, however,

to the provision that said Board may in its discretion require that

the said lands be controlled and operated with due regard to the

obligations and needs of Everglades Drainage District with respect

to drainage, water control, reclamation and conservation.

SECTION 2, If any sftction, paragraph, clause or provision

of this Act shall for any reason be declared invalid or unconstitu-

tional, nevertheless, the remaining portions of this Act shall re-

main in full force and effect.

8ECTION 3. Notice of intention to aPnly for the passagfe of

this Act by the Legislature has been published ,as required by Seo-

tion 21 of Article III of the Constitution of Florida, and affidavit

of proof of such publication, together with a true copy of such
notice was duly attached to this Act when the Rill therefore was in-





produced in the Legislature, and accompanied said Rill throughout

the Legislature, as required by Sections 11.02 and 11.03, ~lorida

Statutes, 1941, and the Legislature hereby declares that such
notice and affidavit are sufficient in form and in substance and

that said Section 3,1 of Article fIII of the Constitution, and that

said Sections 11.03, and 11.03 have been complied with in every

respect.
SECTION 4, This Act sha~ll tak~e effect and be in full force

from and after its passage and annDroyazl by the Governor, or u~tpon

becoming a law without such approval.
SECTION 5. All law~s and narts of laws4 in conflict herewith

be and the same are hereby repealed,





A BILL TO BE ENTITLED


AN ACT RELATING TO EVEiRGLADES DRA~INAGE DISTRICT: PROVIDING THA1T
THE BOARD OF CORESSIONERS OF SI'ID DISTRICT SKALL HAVE POWY~ER
AIND AUTHORITY TO CONVEY TO THE UNITED STATES, OR ANY DEPARTMENT
'OF THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF, LANDS OF THEc DISTRICT, OnR ANY INTEREST
THEREIN, UPON CERTAIR TERMIS AND, CONDITIONS; REVEALING ALL LAWS
ALND PARTS OF L~ui/ IN CONFLICT THEREWJITH.,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLiATU:M OF THE STATES OF FLORIDAP:

Section 1. The Board of Commissioners of Everglades Drainage Distriot

shall have the power and authority to convey and transfer to the United Statess

or may department of the Government thereof, may land, lying within thle confines

of that; certain area in Palm Beach County, Florida, heretofore designated by said

Board for water and soil conservation, to-wit:


Bounded on the north by Township Line WJ4/8, on
the west by Range Line 39/60, on the south by
H~illsboro Canal and on the east by the western
boundary of Lake liorth Drainage Distrief said
lands being located in Township LS South, Range
40 East; Hiatus t /86 South, Range k0 East4g that
part of Township 46 South, Range 160 East, lying
north of ffillsboro Canal; that part of Township
87 South, Range 40 East, lying north of Hillsboro
Canal; Township 45 South, Range $1 East; Town-
ship 46 South, Range 41 East; that part of Town-
ship 47 3outh, Range 41 East, lying north of
Hillsboro Canal

and also any land lying within the confines of the proposed or established Ever-

glades National Park, any title to which is, or may hereafter be, vested in said

Board~af Commissioners, or any interest in or pertaining to any of said land, upon

such terms as may be agreed upon between said Board and the United States, or m0ny

department of the Government thereof, whenever it shall seem to said Board. that to

do so will redound to the benefit of said Everglades Drainage Distriot; subject,

however, to the provision that said Board may in its discretion require that the

said lands be controlled anid operated with due regard to the obligations and needs

of Everglades Drainage Distriot with respect to drainage, water control, recla-

mation and conservation

Section 2r If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Act

shall for any reason be declared invalidl or unconstitutional nevertheless, the





Page 2


remaining portions of this Act shall remain in full force and effects,

Section 3r Notice of intention to apply for the passage of this ALct

by the ZLegislature has been published as required by Section 21 of ^lrticle III of

the Constitution of Florida, and affidavit of proof of such publication, together

with a true copy of such notice was` duly attached to this Act wh~en the Bill there

for was introduced in the Legislature, and accompanied said Bill throughout the

Legislature, as required by Sections 11.02 and 11.05, Florida S~tathtes, 1981,

and the Legislature hereby declares that such notice and affidavit are sufficient

in form and in substance and that said Section 21 of Article III of the Constitu-

tion, and that said Sections 11,02 and 11,03 have been complied with in every

respect.

Section 4. This Act sh1ll take effect and be in full force from and

after its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon becoming a law withoiht

such approval

Section 5. all laws and parts of laws in conflict herwi~t~h be and the

same are hereby repealeds





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SUfMMAYRY OF BILL ABOLISHING BOARD OF
COMMI~SSIONERIS OF EVERGLADES DRAINAGE
DISTRICT


This bill abolishes the Board of Commissioners of Everglades Drainage

District effective July 1, 19lC7, and transfers its functions to the respective

boards of county commissioners of the .counties lying abolly or partially within

the distrilot. Such counties will continue levying the debt service tax in the

maximum amount year provided sooording,_to the zones established in Sections

153o(6A) and 153o(8), Chapter 298s Florida Statutes 1941, the proceeds from

which are to be turned over torthe State Treasurer who shall place them in a

special Everglades Debt Service Fund. This levy will be discontinued when

sufficient funds are on hand to retire all district obligations outstanding

on July 1, 1947. All other funds of the district shall be transferred to the

State Treasurer on July 1, 19lC7, and shall become a part of the Everglades

Debt Servioe'Fund. All real estate, title to which has been vested in the

district board for non-payment of taxes, shall be transferred to the State

Treasurer and may be sold on application after publication pursuant to rules

to be promulgated by the State Treasurer, Proceeds of such sale shall become

a part; of the Everglades Debt Service Fund,

The State Treasurer may invest in United States Government bonds a

portion of the debt service fund during the period that same shall not be

required for payment of debts and obligations. The State Treasurer fran

such funds shall retire and pay all debts and obligations of the district

outstanding on July 1, 19lc7, as they become due or payable. Thereafter, all

proceeds remaining in the fund shall be returned to the respective counties

in the .proportion which the acreage of district lands in each county bears

to the total aoreage of district lands as it now exists. The real property

held by the Stete Treasurer at such-time shall be returned to the counties

wh8erein situate. Effective July 1, 91967, all other assets of the district

are transferred to the respective counties where situate, The counties after

July 1, 1947r shall have the power to levy taxes for the upkeep and maintenance

of the worke.~and facilities of the district within the respective counties

and shall have the power to construct additional works and facilities when

needed, and to lev$y taxes for the. cost thereof,





A BIL;L TO B3E ENT~ITL1-D


AN~ ACT' ReLA1TING TO THE~3 EVENtGLADES DRPAJP~ING DISTRIcT) ABsOLISHING THEz
8000! gjF COMMI~SSIONEdRS OF SU!3H DISTFRITCT, ANDWT VEiST~iNG THE RIGHTS, PQOWEr~fS,
DUTIES, LIAB~LITIFES, PRIVILEG~eS AND~ I.OVi.lRNRL~NTAL FUNJCTIONS OiF SUCH BOARtD
IN THE'A$ESPECTIVE BO~'3'S OF~ COUNTY 00-IS.~~IOiERS OF TH~E COUN~T;lS LYING
H1OLL~Y OR PARTIABLLYJ IN SGAL DIST;I~CTI AI;THOT:IZI.CG ANJD DIRE~CTING SUCH
BOARDS OiF COuWDCT COLci.IlS IoNsE;s TO LiEVYi THE ;liST SE~irVICElf TA NOW PRO-1
VIDEZD SY~ L-'; ON THE LANDS IN~ SUCH ;:;AIJAf6 DISTeRICTt PROVI .I!-0 "THT ALL
IIONrEYSi AND FUNDSIS OF EVERY1 NATURSE OF SA3ID DRAINAGBcE IISTiRICT NoW~ f-c22) BTY
IT', ANDS INCLUT:ITNG DEB3T SERVICEi TAX I]SOCL-.5K.eiSRPrEAFT COLLECTP ED SHAL
HE~ PAID dAin ;ELIVENEDij TO THE STAT T-iEASUREfR OF THE; STATE; OF FLORIk~jDA
HDl~O SHALL LSTIA-LJTSH1 ANDP AI~N1ATIN A 81"EC!ial, ~\EVEGLAD)ES ~E~BT SL: VICE IrUNDI
AND ADlIGUFISTE AN PAY THEPEFP.0M THE~i EP~TS OF SAIDl DRBfAINAGE :rIS'ICT
INCURRED AND) OUTSTANDI)NG ONi JULY 1, 19L71 PROVI8DINGO TH AUPTHRITY AND
6E~THOD iFOR THEt~ SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF LANDS O~WNED SYP SlAIfD iDF.AINAGE DIS-C
TRICT AND~ii .rlFOSITIONI OF i-ROCKEUS1 OF SAIDE SALEt PIROVIDING~ FORF ArVESTL
IIENT WHY TH STATE TRL~ASURER;P OF !IRAINAGi DISTRICT F MDLSI PROVTIXI!I FORS~
THIE DISPOSITION 8Y THEj STATE TS~.ASURENi OF ALL MOINEYS ANDC L~NDS
BELONGINGS TO SAID DRAQPINcAOL .ISTE:ECT TO THIE; R..'PECTIVi COUNTIES O)F SAIDa
DR.AINAGEJ DISTRICTT AFTER AIL SUCH DISjTRICT~ DEBTS ARE~ PAIDI PRO~I~DING~
POR THE~ VETIN:G OF TITrLE TO ALdL ~ACILITiES, WO~RKS AlND lul-ROYLUtENT~S OF"
SAID DRBTAING DISTRICT IN THE COUNTYl WHER TH~~~E ABE~ ARE CONS~TRCTfED)
AUTHORICIN3~r TH~ ShEVERAL COUNETIr~.. IN SAIDS DRAIIDG: DISITRICT TO LEV;Y AND
INFOSE UPON WLANDC INJ SAP.OUNT r ~iNm r SAID PRAT.`AGE DISTRIlCT A MAINTEN.
AN~CE: TAXL, AND A SPECAL PRAl'.AOSL GCONST?'UCTIOil TAI AN~D PRE~SCRTIBJING
THE TERMS~, Of *II.~TI`: S AN~D :rECHT1';,0F L;E~VING SUGH TAX~bES; DEC'LARING
THE OPERATIONS OF SUCH DRAINAGE: FACILITIES ANDI WORKS TO BE; VALID\ CONTY~T
PURPOSE;S1 PROVIDINdi THEi~ M(ETHOD O7F COLLSC'TION~ AND DISPOSITION~ OFj
DRIBRAfGE TAXES HEREAtfTR LEVIE UPONt SAID LAN; r N SAID DPR4ENAGE; .DIS-
TRICTI P'ROVIDING A SAVliR' CLAUPSE)~ PROVCIDINGO THE EFFE:CTIVE DATE'1 OF THS
ACT) ANJD lE~PEALINGi ALL LAWS5 IN CONFPLICT !iEREWITH3.
BE IT rErnACTED BdY T~E~ LEGISLAT!. .E OF THErf STATE OF FLORIDfAs

f680TIONI 1: The soard of Comi~assioners of the Everg~lades Drafinage Disatrict

be and the sane, is hereby dissolved and abolished, and the term of office of

each memHbe~r thereof is hereby termi~natedl, and the emgpLo~yment of ePach and every

officer, agent or epr~gloyeue of sarid district is hereby terminlated to take effect

at; 12100 otclockE noon on the first day of: July, A.L Dr 1967.l All of the rig~hts,

powers, duties,) liabilities, privileges and g;overnmetallti functions heretofore

vest~edi in and granted to the Board of G~oami-ssiLonersI~ of theitFrargtades D~rainage

Difstriot, a political subdivision estabLiShe~d, organisred and Jexisting under and

by virtue of the laws of the State of Flgorida, ~be and the same are hereby severally

transferred, set ever, cgranted unto and vested ia the respective boau~rd of county

comm~issioners of the respective coun-ties located sad ly~ing~ wheoll or partially

within the sa~idj verglades Drainagre District as heretofore created by law, such





transfer shall beo6oen effootive at 12r00 o'elook ne5anEE ona the said firtlIT dayi

of~ Buly, As Dz 191r7) thes aforesaid powreis,e duties and func-tion~s shall be ozer-

elsea and performed by e~ah eriach r~epspetve board of county commPxissioners with

respect to thC, lands, wrorks and facilities of the asai $verglades Draita :e
Distriot which are at~tattofl within such respective county, whenever the nature

of atch powEr, duty or function is consistent with the independent operation

By such board of county comnmissionears of the sraid drainage wor~ks an1d fac(~~ilities
ah to the lande of said District lying with~in sushcounty.Y

SECTION 21 .Each coauny lying whoPlly oar partially w thin said Ev~erglades

DrainaLge DistriotC is hereby authoerzsed, emp~owered and dlirected to levy and imporse

upon the lands of such Distrliot l-y~ing wsithin the ~said~ county a debt service tax
which shall be the maximU um amunt provided for vith rebaspeat to the series in.d2$

oated in Sections 19j30 (6A) and 155i0 (8), Chapter -98s, Florida Statutes 19 1,

beginning with~ the year '1948 and continuing thereafter each, year until certificate

isabal be issued byr the Trseaureg of: the State~ of Florida ase hereinai-rer in his~9

Section 2 provided. to -the effootb thes~b all principal and :inti-~reret; oa all oblriga-

tions of the Everglades Drainage Distriet theretofore "nmtssrre and outstanding onS~

July 1,. 194?, have beenM Sfu~lly pad 'a$ retired, or thak~e sufficient funds or
securt~ies have beein allocated to the Everralades Debt Service Fund hlereinafter

dscssribed, Co accomaplish full payment of sai3d dibts Pangobligations as ease shall
become- payable, th3e proceeds of the qobt service tax authorised here~in shall be

a~llcated by the State Treatsurerp to a- special Evterglades Debt Service Fund wh~kich

shall be maeintained by" the State Treasua~rer for the purpose of retiring all said

debts and oblrrigations of the Everrgl~ade~s Drainagfe D9istrict theretofore inculrredl

and outstanding on Julyg 15 1967, as saupe shall become due or shall be lpayable,

Ithe debt service fund of the Eiverglad~e Drainage District established under the

provisions of Chapter 14717b Leara1 of. Floridla, .Ac~ts ~rof 1931, sad a~ll maggt~s tl-errhin
arec he-reby trslansferiod and set over unto the State T~arasuresr effootive July 1,

f197, and shall become a part of the seyeial Ever lades Debt Service Fund pr~ovided

for hereint to be macin~tained by the State Ireasurer for the purposes, hIer~ein pZre-

soribed. Upon ~thei payment and retirement~ of ill debtsr and obligations tCher~etofore

incurred and outstan~ding on july 1, 1967C, against the Evergladtes Drainaae Distriot,





er spea receigJ~ the~ gge sproiat l og~la6da Db~t Service ~Funrd or a officient

measysr saA yserities k r*Mfrs al debts eat obligatens aferseaid as ecase shll
bsooeme payabl, the 8tbe~k trus~Pur r sall tease ear~tiest thesruet not9 file a

*973 et~~B thesePdr~~~ESIal s eadk mo beart1 of eewatyr **miSslrat nes The debt services

tax proided for hweina shall ast the~refter be, kll vied r imosd areept aBPo
fuwrrtaaM lriYr **tiiot of th S~tate trerasur tfhat such levy or impositiont Iris aep**

Iary inL orde t9 pay ~the iaforeaid 6ebts3 saAr obligations~ bf th di~striet t~ra 6iratfr

insurred sad eatstanding es July 1, 191r7r All pre***A r~emaining in said ryesal
Swrl51sle DeBtI Selrvies Fetad after the reiremet et4 all b* afresa'id indeabted *
asse shatll be, divided II~P amog~i and pai to~a He respe6~6tf beVard at abuntyl seamissionersr
in he rpope~rte tha6 the Ird morea~se~ of~u tM isr;et~Na si~tut wrlthin eah evok
sounty hears be hes ~teal soreag CEt the @I$4 angdlee Da~tang Disriet as it near
asits.r SaB L~h Q pr**ade shal fPl tepea~ bDarr sea a1 pa f SW paral~rr revenues fundr
etf the respectiVe c)ontlies,

880 PTIOR~3 82 s Alr***as of ~the iiadmistatrato ten, debt Lirvi~e fund~, anda
mainhaeiase fe4I esabliishe by Sectior 1530 (R), Chapte~r 2998, He~rLd~a statuts 1961r,

topt~her sQtch all unit distrolt 1Preh~ai~nar cometrackena and maintenanoe funds rrand
all other ~gaterafs at t Evrgs terlrsr 0raka MDrist riot~ whte ~aa s mod ,the super~rvio,
senr~ltlr*an juriodSaiota et lthe sai Beed of Cannaisasonrs of Evnelrld~es IkDnrain
Dis~rtriot, are hereby tramaterred W th lie ShW reaurer, efeeivelP jul~y. 1947,
theu S~rtt TreaIsure sChalj transferI~ all h sunk a fns t tihe speialX Evergladsea Debts
Service ]rad p~irovide for ia tFhis Pf:Ae$ fW b YrW wedF toh Heurpisep ~betein direoCte
with respotg thure*, the Sta~te Treasurer shall~ttt~~tb fn hav lth antfleri to inv~es~~t He

I~"PreendsA PO~f a i~funs r pe]rr~idea hte)ntc toa eneh perie4 egt Ha*Js a~~fsp thyill
se~t ~n1be meetd tecr thepaymen of obligation, (then papment of whdich* anoerths **C
their term, eaanesti be neelerated) in U~nited States~ Sevwlramat6 Beadcnpa whh beds
shall beeonerr aouritiers ~in th sid sp~otal EerCalate Debt Serisel Feat.

SECTION_4 as h mrainklmanoes eprartion, presrvatlrlek ~ad renderin~g Oefiaicint of
all worki ws hertfere sonstructd byr Ever~rdlaks Dar3airae M~~ertrie shall beg the

duty sat. funetbien of bhe bouars of oeunIty eamatselesrr s in eachE coun~LtY lyilngF iholry
(r Pa~rtially wsithin ~the, ditrie4 as the Xrallas, wrk~rs and failikes o f saida





D~iistrio flying within eterh anskp county.af The, heartd of souty- eemlissioners in

iearch anh oesnt~y atC the time o preportarg ilts aunanl budget~u shall prepare also

a psperial budel~ts severing conte~lpted 4oati of dadminisration slzad mraiteanloe of
drainage worksfE etP eneh Distrrlieb within the coasty[tJ and fi hreby espowereLI t~tauth

rised and direeted ~to e']ys and impgose gapo eoh Land.a l he Distriot lying within

the stensty r ag eoral. Mrraiag e tax for the PLmetat enames oexstingz worksP1 and8 foot-
lI~ties of~ the Disr~ish within 'fthe cutySLPg from wAhioh t~he coaty l.besI~d shall to+;

termine that benef~its soorue egnalrlyJ 'Oe dirrstriot leads threaghest: seh gsanty.~g

In addition to thew geeral trraisage~ tax relsjg Iprovided for, each each board et~

souty~i~ swomen+itcssonrsr I i h+shi Arther urised sad empO wedll~ in1 lev and imPose ai

rspeet.ariaisideenw teaxe not be elased fifty maake peru sempri yerU up~on land
within any unit distriot ofS other subdrainage d~.~ist~:oris a3 fomrl nder thes enw~trol

rLndI SurEdLIetionaa of the n~board8 f Ola~Elsrenstoes at theu lI~vrablades~ D3riaine gPDistr

lying writhin such countOy or uponan a~ireau~ of -lan writhts %hedistrio Oant pount

which ble BoNBard of Conaty Commis~bageers shl detwratael to ~be uIfIoPrrml Opet al
benefrihted byt imaprovements, wwksu or faclit~ 1Cies ly buin brei whih special main*

Senana Bax shall be apgplied be the~ meta~temeneLII and~ operations thiereof, a~ Ieek ac

board of county~ commn~issioers is fAtrher authorised and apowokid t9 Xlary i special

tax for ther seait of construstingfY hereafterI additional drainate31 tr i~rap ~~rovmet Wet

sad fee~t~les in areas designated~ obysc board of~ county esJsasoissionets withinB

the distriot anr within seekal country. o being speoialy beneitte d by ai~d addItional

provided however th~ mat none the genral~ drainage stones aspect attsp~ateasec tease,

or spootal construction terae authorse8 ~byf this Sec~tion shall be levied until
the same~r shll f.irst be aproved ***6I yea of levyT thereot byr the omrrs of at

least fifty ~Npe8r *ab of bbe Irrlat against whtehrl swebs tax i to be beImposed. The

sparrSaks of the tSe~lities sd pworks as herein ]proddebtd 'by each oeun~ty~ ying wholly

or part13ally withia the disr~iey ad ther taptevenants eat levyin of teaasj as pro-
videdB for in thisr st, are hereby deolrerd bea Be va~l coutnty Ip~fyete For Pbs

restpctta~~er sen~umatte threbiy iffooted.
SECTIGII Ss The 9t~Ass provided for ina ~Bseeions2 n 4 sraIrhall be asessed saud

W11**bed r a other~ aaars withia, said sountlroly thes,9c~~ ba of went connatarr~stener s

in enah county shall oertify toBf the tax aaeaor r at th~e tm provided flor perti

t'ying general at; +alerom beesl a list ocf Lands~Q iyag~IIr wi4ttsl 6b disr~3iot at d;rreantyp





uqpon whichk the taxes a1uthorized by this Acot are imposedlr for such year, Sarid list
shall in all matters econspristet with the pe~irsisten herefst aefoarm to the require

melnt s~ ofeotion 1530 :k2-A)l Floridar Sttru~tea 1961. Sach taxes shall be incluoded

is the asssesserts well with general at val~orenJ taxes, the preia~~teasI ati~ ~genllt~CJ

law with resc~gt to the collection of general, at valerse t~ese of the senb~acly,

iaseatanse* at tx sale cert~ificate, advertising tax deeds and redemptian, *Sew,

shall a~pply to the taelI levied Pa~rauanlt to this Ac1. Proceeds of such 3teasglP

wAn~lek are ienrein provided be be paid to ~thetatekk TPreasu~tbPrer sal be tmrtanaitted

th~ereto by thea tiax collctor sad eartification of ther amountf so tra~nsmbt~ted

srhall be mader te the board of eeanty ~oupard~asionrs. All~ other tezesra ]p~ided for
herein sh~all be transeaBtt~ed to the board of sounty comirssioners by the tax set2-

lctor. All collcrtionlas aall be tran~amitted on or before the 19th day of the

mognth following their ca~Ser~lloote

88CTIIOW 64 There~ arehreb trIoant ed to the head( aZ~ot3 seetysemietoer
of each county 3lyng wholly or partially wilthain the Everglades Drainarge Dietrict

all faiUi~tiess wr~ks, costleracttions, ~impsrovements, tangible~~~66~~~66~~~6 perpOnl. property sad

real estate (ease~pti lands, Sitle to which prior to July~f 1, 19~7t halla3 have been

trested in the B~oard of t0amslsioners at Evergladea Drainage District watrrmd the

previfatens et ea~tion 1S30 C(66i), Chapter 298, FI~eloridtea~n Stat tes ) of 'thettttt~~~~~~~tttttt dlis
trict siturate in such county affootive~ July 1, 196h7. Where a canalo heretafare

aconstructead by said District has drained srurfaeo water froma two or mres~1 counties

for the ten~i yeaarsr yprecedin the priasage of this Ae$t the respective boards of,

sounty~i com~issIoner of the conIS~ IBties attse shl~leassel theW capaity at Oanh

oanalZ to be measoured, and shall by resolution alot~~s the drainage capacity thereetb
to each atoresaid afetetltd cout~l~lies inthet~8 same propertion as debt service taxe~s

of saidc District orn benefts~; reCeived Ifrom saId o~anaL3T haeL been id by sucOhl couI-

ties for sutcha period.

SEBCTIONI 7, TFax B6sellecatorrs and tsax a~setlsors of the resp~ective counties ; lyngr
w~holl or parptialy within the Ev~e~rglades Drainage Distriot sehall be compensated

for their services prorrddd for herein, inr the mianner prescribed by general 3aw
for thsrre assessment and sehllneeidn a at valoram taxes of the county.

SB~CTION 8r Alba1nneye in the h5ands~ of heclerk of the aired$i courrts osf





the cmbesnaas 2lying wholly or pr~tjiay w3th8n the EvergladesP Dreainag Diestiot

receivd on Jul~ 1, 19l7,: or reeived by such elerksti after such date, by vilrtues
of the previatens~.i~ QIs et seeston 15)io (61) andB 15306 (62), Chosgbs 298, PI~srida

Statutes9 1961, has the fees of eneh o~leefks provaide fr ~therein shall be remitted
to the State Treasure and shall boea~e a pat of~e the s~pecil Ever~glaearQ Debt
ServiceO Fund pr~ovided for in this Act,
SECTION 9t sthe title te all real estate whitch8 shall. are oested in thbdi

BoaBrd f Coaam~~eoisners of E~erglades~ Drainages District prior to Julyr 1, 1967,

par~enat to th proviaiens of 3sectio 1530 (66r), Chaptr 298, Florida Statutes

1931, which hsavne at Been seld prior to July~ L1 1917, sallU be aultmatics~all
J~aly 1, 1947, trested inm the Treaaternc et the State' of Floridal Pl, Th tate

TreasuP~relr abllhae~ the peee t* sell suchf lands for cashlr and shai hav~e PewerT

andL anitheri~ty to adept sad presulgate reeeasonae ru~iles and zeteltions$U relatBIng

to the said sale of said larnds~, the arsntena pr~dice at which the r respective leads

shall be solhd, andl the method andQ terms of anc~h sales., The said, State Trveasrer

sehall oanatitute cand appintb)666~~~~~ the seVeral repeectiVe elesrk of the circuit .eourt

of the oonaties whosae lankds lie wholly~ or partially within the said Evergi~adesr

DBrainage Dist~rie~t as Iis agets foar thc purlpose of sale andt conveyancew of said~

sands, and the saip~d elsrks are heoreby au~thorised anal empowerd to execte sea-

vTr~~ayane s ithe noame of nad nderi the direbtion of the State Treasurert e the

greantes who purcshasre, sid lands patrcmnant~ to this Ac~t and~ the rulers and zegu~lationsr
of the State tpreasurer aforesaid. For servoics perforrm~ed as suh eagent,~B the

Iorespeative calerks shalll receive the faee proidedt t~ by gnerat law for. ~similar se>
vices peorormed as circuit er~lerk, andl each neah herk a s aoh agent; rrostoreaId

shall pro~p~tly snoounrt to the State Treasurer for the sales at aueh~t landa ~acaa-

ding to the rules and regla~tionss promunlgantsed as aoresaid.

Any pelrso desiring to purh~ase ~ay gar~eal of the aforeesaid -landa, slha~ll
dpata9at witbh th' le~rk of the diremit court asr agent aforesaeid the amount of his
inoitial bidl ~abish aball~b be t less taan the prise as determined and Fixed bar

the State treasurerr in his afoessaid~ ~rus ranragalationso, ]phs ~the estimate

aests: oi f adverts~ing 3e sname for pUbo alle, and l 33fsee~s oinsidethrr

vided 3 by aw Befo~ ~re~r sel ing any ~blan it shaall be the duty of the clerk ,


IBL





SOfE the aircUit cufrt as stent aor~lesaid tO oerarr e a notice o intention to
sell. to be published ~lin a newspaper pu~ie~ahed in thres county it which said landd
is situated, whblic notine~l shall be pu~blisehed once easkP24 week~ for twoi sudeass~Iive

weeks, ~two public~ra~t~ions bering surlfficentd, which shall hotify Ull canertcMned ~fthaPt

such lsand will Ibrr effered at such sal* to the highest bidder for cashfi at thet

losurt house~ door AnX the **waty where the landP~ is ituated, on th dayI to be

specFifie therein, wha~~ ichip da hall be noti~ lssa tsan fifteen 4rT sysor mBore! than
thirty dsay Firs the date of the first pub~lentsi onf~ of thre nob~ic. It sall9 be

thes further duty oPf th e lerkc of the c~irosit court asu a~gent aforeasid, tl9eo sent

byr regjisterd mailt leastd fijfteen edaysu~~9~ b tere$ date ofP sae, a sepg sat suchs

prpeeaa4 nebice to the. lat knraowin adress hr the persn, firm, oer corporationi to
whom the lan1(dsB deser~ibed i Itoid amtee~ werel last saeessede i~f knownn, Honwevr
the failureb of the person, fits or corporation to whe~n aIdf ;land~ wasB leak aserossed to
sweeive suc~h seteSa shall1 ** vli dabelL~q~C thea arl* er affect the rights at the

PUrobaser thereander, noRFr aba1 the failure of th~e Qltark Ia agent~f aferaeaid be
giver branch notie by mail twirailidate $b~~e aLe or astest the rt~ights of the pur-
habrse .thereunoder, it B+abetag the inentio8 tha tbi Ere reviseate fo~re aielin; of.
saijd notice srhall be directory on~ly* Said ~ salmy be he]ald an anyg day of thes

wraee sexept Budy and at Iany time specified ;In the noticer between thena houre o

11500 **laeok A,.). and 2*00 o'~crleok P*Yr of seaid dayr of sale. The amOuntiEJ de-

posited with theM s aid airemit elerk asr ag~enlt aforesaid by the person yesir~ing to
purrchase the land, shallT be ttjEtake a~d[ considered as the first MAg and if no~9

other bie are made, te land shall be sed to sulch perso by th~e k as agent
aferesaid, for thre uagent alt aehe bid, but if obber bids re ma~euab the ltand

shaJlbep sold to the highest bidderP or cash, antd f1 the paearee wo mpade the

deposit ;Is the Mhesb~~bt biddrLBS the Intl aatsall be se;ld to i, sfd~at n tb h reaounft

daepoited by ]ta shalfl bePP appie on hi bid. The notice of aler af-eresaid
mayi3 ~Coain drooi~ptions of molre trhar ee parerel at la8st and ~I1FOFany coverlad
inelurated in mosre than one a Bpplita~tio azpon~ whic dqepoite have been made by
different bidders as 9stoes~uid;f ~PrP(W1 evid ~ed, hwev, ~that eachL ISuch decr~(2iptianl
at landsI8 01 asspara~tely appied for shll33I be %sod aseaolrately.
SBCTION 10s Any lands~ Isgpak off to the Board of C emssioainers of IEsearglades





Drainage District by51 the -tax colleetor at. aniy sale prior to JulE~y 1) 1967, for
whichli the period ofT rdemlpti~ton of two years froma the date of uch sale salla;3

not have empiredt on Ju~ly 1 19b7, and wrhich shall not. have been redeemed as

provided in Seetfionl 1930 (66), Ch8apter 298, Florida 8Ltatutee 1961, prior to said
date mauy themattetr he redeemeld as provided for~ in4 said lawC within said ~ftb year

period of redenaptieng provided, that the~ titble to anpy such lands not so ~dreheme
after Jul~y 1, 1967, and within ~the said twof year period of zrdemptions, shal; at/
ther empf~ofiraeti of said tilne fr~g redempb3tion Wet in the- T~e~aisew of ~th Starte of;

Florida witherst anQ further proceedings, satd shall .be~a subjet bisposbit~ia and
sale in the rmfanne provided by this Act,

dMdfTION 114 'tpon the payment and retiremr~ent of alldbts and obligations
heretoforze ~incu~rred and estatanding ona July 1, 196k7E against the Eve~6j~rgllade
Dlrainage Distriotf, as prwrided in Sectiona 2 at -this ket, all lands belQIongingrz

to said Brainage Distr~ict hereb rested in the S~tate .Treaurer)P shall bes certi-

fied bay his to the respective counaties in which suc~h lands are rsitustred and
locted Suh aertifient~ion shfall have the ~forer and effect for all purposes

4j a fee simp~le canyane, nd shar~lt.l vee6 Sil tuch loands in the respecti~ve
contlry whesrein~ the aJPase are situarted knd lsee atd, and3 said lanrd sal he~rU b j~~ ec~t*
to sal and eoanveralic by hE, Boardl of Coruntyt. Cemi~ssinrs of each county in

the manncer provided by general law authorisig the sale and convearlgunes of county
owned real property.

SECTIO 12-i rlthe provaisions ofe this Act are severable, and it any of its
provisi~ons a~ball be held uncognsi~tuf~ttional by anr court, at cmpetent juris-
e~Stions ther dfecison of such court shall not affect or impair any of fthe Sb
masin~ing provisios of ~this Act, I1t is hereby dAritred to be the Zlegslartiven intent
that ~thias Act woulld have been adoqptesd and passed had sueh ttnceatstitvC~ional

paovision not been included havi~n.
SEC;TION 13:. All laws nd- partsa of lawsl in cobnfliot he~reith ar hereby~
supersaeded re: pealed too the extea46 f eac conf~lict.
SECTION 144: ThiJs Aet shailltake! effect at 12500O o'clee~k nean, Jualy 1, 1967.






NELL L. COWBN BOSTIIICK LE3ISLITIVE BUREAU
TALL,~kASSEE, ,FLORIDA


PEOPLES OF GLADES B:0USE BILL NO. 860
DRlAINQAJE & WATER CONSERVATrION REAID IST T IME; 5-7-47

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT RELATIN) TO THE EVERGLA2DES DRGRATE DISTRICT: ABOLISHORS THE
BOArlD OF 00FM1SIOilNERS OF SUCH DISTRIICT, ORiD VESTORGJ THE RIHTS, POWERS,
DU'TI7S, LIABILITIES, PRIVILEGES :1IED JOVERNMEN~I~TAL FOROTIONS OF SUCH BOARD
IN THE lE~SPECTIVE BOARDS OF COUNTY COMIMISSIONrERS OF TBE COUNTIES LYING
WHOLLY OR FBRTIALLY IN SAID DISTRICT: AUTHORIZING; WND DIRECTION; SUCH
BOARIDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO LEVY THE DEBT SERVICE TAI NOW PRO-
VIDED BY LAWE~ ON THEU LANDS IN SUCH DRAIZJPE DISTRICT; PROFIDIcr3 TKIT ALL
NIONEYS :WND FUNDS OF EVERY N'-TURE OF SAID DRAINrSGE DISTRICT NOW HELD BY
IT, .RD INCLUDING DEBT. SERVICE TAX PROCESDS HEREAFTER COLLECTEDI SHALL
BE PAID &RD DELIVE~R&D TO0 THE ST ilE T.ISASURTR~ OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
WHO SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAIXNTAIR A SP)EClI.L EVERGLADES DEBT SERVICE FUND
AND ADMINISTE;R AND PA;Y THEREFROMI THE DEBTS OF SAID DRAINAGE DISTRICT
INCUHRRD ASND OUTSTIND~JIN ON JULY 1, 1947; PRONVID~ING WP E AUTHORITY i;ND
METHOD FOR THE; SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF LARDS OWNED BY SAID DRAINAGE DIS-
TRICT AND DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS OF SAlD SALB; PROVIDING FvR INVEST-
MENT BY THE STATE TREASURER OF DRAINAJE DISTRICT FUNDS; PROVIDOG; FOR
THE~ DISPOSITION BY THEF STATE TREASURTUR OF ALL M~ONEYS AND LANDS
BELORIGOG TO SAID DRAIRh~iB DISTRICT TO~ THEf RESPECTIVE COUNTIES OF SAID
DRAIRAGEi DISTRICT AFTER ALL SUCH DISTRICT DEBTS ARE PAID; PROPIDLEG
FOR THE VESTING OF TITLE TO ALL FAICILITIFS, WPORKSi AND ILPROVEMENTS OF
SAID DRAINAGE DISTRICT IN THE 00UNTY WHERET THE; SAMEJ ARtE CONSTRUCTED;
AUTHBORIZ~ING THE SEVERAL, COUNTIES IN SAID DRALKAGiE DISTRICT TO LEVY AND
IIVPOSE UPON LANDS IN SAID COUNTY INi SAID DRAIRAbGE DISTRICT A MAINTEN-
ANDE TAX, ANDI : SPECIAL DRB~AirAG CONSTRUCTION TAX AND PRESCRIBING
THE TERNS, CONDITIONS ANID METHODS OF Lr;WYOG SUCH TAXBS; DECLARING
THE OPERATION OF SUCH DRAINAGE FACILITIES AND WORKS TO BE VALID COUNTY
PURPOSES; PROVIDING THE METHlOD OF COLLECTION ANJD DISPOSITION OF
DRAINAGE TASIES HEREAFTER LEVIED UPON SAID LANDS IN SAID DRIIRIAGE DIS.
TRICT; PROVIDING A SAVER~XG CSLAUSB; PROVIDING THEF EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
ACT; AND REPEALING ALL LAWS~S IN CONFLICT B3IREWITH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE L~EGISLPTURU OF THE STATES OF FLORIDA:

Section 11 The Board of Commissioners of the Everglades District be and the
same is -h'~~ereby dissolved and -abolished, and the term of office of each member there-
of is hereby terminated, and the employment of enoh and every officer~, agent or
employee of said district is hereby terminated to take effeot at 12:00 o'clock noon
on the first day of July, A.D. 1947, All of the rights, powers, duties, liabilities,
privileges and governmental functions heretofore vested in and granted to the Board
of Commissioners of the ivoerglades Drainage District, a polit~ioal subdivision ea-
tablisheds organized mad existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of
Florida, be and the sane are hereby severally transferred, set over, granted unto
and vested in the respective boards Of county commissioners of the respective
counties located and lying wholly or partially within the said Bverglades Drainage
District as heretofore created by lew, such transfer shell become effootive at
12:00 o~olook noon on the said first day of July, AID. 1947; the afore~asid powers,
duties and functions shall be exesrcis~ed an~d performed by each such respective border
oF county commissioners with respect to the lands, works and facilities of the said
Everglades Drainage IDistriot which are sit ate within such respective county, when-
ever the nature of such power,.duty ofB function is consistent with the independent
operation by such bgprd of Counrtyr commissioners of the said -dreinage works and
facilities as to the lands of said Distriat lying within such county,

Section 2r Eaoh county lying wholly or partially within said Evergladels
Dra~inage biatriotZ~r~[~ is herPeby authorized, empowered and directed to levy and impose'
upon the lands of such Distriot lying within the said county a debt servic-e tax
which shall be tthe maximum amount provided for with respect to the zones indicated
in Sections 1530 (6A) end 1530 (8), Chapter 298, Florida Statutes 1941, beginning
with the year 1948 and continuing thereefter each year until certificate shall be
issued by the Treasurer of the State of Florida as hereinafter in this Section 2
provided to the effect that all principal and interest on all obligations of the
Everglades DrainagSe Distriot theretofore incurred and outstanding on July 1, 1947,
have been fully paid and retired,.or that sufficient funds or securities have been
alloca~t;ed to the ]Everglades Debt Ser~vie Fund hereinafter described, to soolomplish
full pe~ymen~t of said debts and obligationst as seze shall become payabl~e. The pro-
need~s of the debt service tax authorized herein shall be g.llocated by the State
Treneurer to a special Eveorglades .Debt Service Fund which shall be maintained by





by the Sta~te Treesuror for the purpose of retiring all said debts and obligations
of the Everglades Drainage District theretofore incurred and outstanding on
July 1s 1947, as sere shall become due or shsll be payable. The debt service fund
of the Everglades Drainage District established under the provi~sions of Chapter
14717, Laws of ~lorida, Acts of 1931, and all moneys therein are hereby trans-
ferred and set over unto the State Treasurer effective July 1, 1947, and shall
become a part of the special Everglades Debt. Se~rvice fund provided for herein
to be maintained by the State3 Treasurer for the purposes herein prescribed. Upon
the payment and retirement of all debts and obligations theretofore incurred and
outstanding; on July 1, 1947, ageinst the Everglades Dreinesge Distriot, or upon
receipt into the special 'qvergepdes Debt Service Fund of sufficient moneys and se-
curities to retire all debts and obliZations oforesaid as same shall become payable,
the State Troasuror shall issue certificate thotroof end file a copy of the same
with each such boerd of county commissioners, 'Ihe debt service %ax provided for
herein shPll not thereafter be levied or imposed coxcpt upon further certificcte of
the Strte Treasurer that such levy or imposition is necessary in order to pey the
aforesaid debts and obligations of the district theretofore incurred end outstanding
on July 1, 1947. All proceeds reanining in said special Evergledes Debt Service
F'und after the retirement of all the aforesnid indebtedness shaJll be divided dmong
and paid to the respective boards of county commissioners in the proportion that
the land Pmoreage of the district situate within onch such county beprs to the total
corenge of the said Everglades Droinege Distriot as it now exists, Such proceeds
shPll thereupon become r part of the general revenue fund of the respective counties.

Section 3t All proceeds of the administration fund, debt service fund, and
maint enan~Slo'e ~u~nd estwblished by Section 1530 (44), Cheptor 298, Florid Sta~tutes
1941, together with all unit district preliminary construction end malinteancne
fund's and all1 other funds of the Evergladea Drtainage District which are under the
supervision, control aid jurisdiction of the said Boerd- of Commissioners of Ever-
glades Drainage District, pre hereby trnnsferred to the Sto;te Treasurer, effective
fuly 1, 1947. The Stat~e Treasurer shall transferr all such funds to the special
Evenla;Xdes Debt Service Fund provided for in this Act to be used for the purposes
herein' directed witfh t~espect thereto. The Stete Treasurer shall have the authority
to invest the proceeds of such funds or portions thereof for such period of time
as they will not be needed for the payment of obligations, (the payment of which,
recording to their terms, ornnot be acoeleratecd} in Ubited States Government Bonds
which bonds shell become securities in the said spooiel Everglndes Debt Service
Funds

Section 4s The maintenance, operation, preservation ,nd renderings efficient
of all works heretofore constructed byr Evergla~des DrainPge District shall be the
duty and function of the boards of county commissioners in each county lying wh1l-
ly or partifally within the district ps to the Innds, works end facilities of said
District lying within ecph such county. The board of county commissioners in each
such county at the time of preparing its annual budget shrll prepare also a special
budget covering contemnpleted cost of administration end maintenance of draincge
works of such L'istriot within the county and is hereby empowered, authorized and
directed to levy Fnd impose upon such lands in the Distriot lying within the county
a general drainage tax for the maintenance of existing works and facilities of the
District within the county from which the county board shall determine that benefits
soccrue equally to district lands throughout such county. In addition to the gen-
erPl drainage tcx herein provided for, orch such bocrd of county commissioners is
further authorized and empowered to levy and impose a special maintenance trax, not
to exceed fifty cents per aere per year upon lnds within cany unit district or other
subdrainage district formerly under the control enld juriadiation of the Board of
Commissioners of the Everglades Drainage District lying within such county or upon
any area of land within the district and county which the Board of County Commis-
sioners shall determine to be uniformly specially benefited by improvements works
or facilities lying therein which special maintenance tax shall be applied to the
maintenance and operation thereof, Bach such board of counby commissioners it
further authorized and empowered to levy a special tax for the cost of constructing
hereafter additional drainage improvements, works and facilities in areas designa-
ted by such board of county commissioners within the district and within aloh county
as being specially benefited by said additions; provided however that none of the
general drainage taxes, special maintenance taxes, or special construction taxes
authorized by this Section shell be levied until the seme shall first be approved
each year of levy thoreof by the owners of at least fifty per cent of the lands
against which such tax is to be imposed. The operation of the facilities and works
as herein provided by each county lying wholly or partially within the! district, and
the improvements end levying of tpxes as provided for in this Act, are0 hereby de-
olared to be valid county purposes for the respective counties thereby affected

Section 6r The taxes provided For in Seotions 2: Pnd 4 shPll be assessed a~nd
collsdoke~d a;~;s ;o~fth taxes- wdt~hin sa~id county. The b~orrdof county commissioners
in each county shrll certifry to the tax assoesor nt the~ ime Provided for sortifyr
ing general ad valoro~m taxes 7 list of lends lying within thze di strict and county


-2 -





HiB1660
P ge Thr~e

upon which the taxes authorized by this hct nre imposed for such yent. Said
list shell in all matters consistent with the provisions hereof conform to the
requirements of beat~ion 1830 (42-A), FloridI.St;t~ute; s 1941. Such taxes shall be
included in the assessor's roll with gonoral ed valorem taxes. The provisions
of general lo~w with respect to the colico~tion of general ad vnloran taxes of the
county, issuonce of tax sole certificetes, odvetrtis~ing trx deeds end redemption,
etc., shall apply to the taxes leviod pursured to thia dct. Proceeds of such
taxes which are herein provided to be ppid to the State Trersurer shell be trans*
mitted thereto by the tax collector and certification of the amount so trrenamitted
shnll be made to the borrd of county commissioners All other taxes provided for
herein shall be trousmitted to the board of county conmifssioners by the tro col-
Sector. All collections shell be tronomitted on or before the 15th day of the
month following their collection.

Section 6r There are hereby transferred to the bored of county commissioners
of erc'h ;c2ounlt'y l~y~in wholly or partially within the Everglades Drrinage Distriot
all facilities, works, constructions, improvements, trongible personal property and
real estate (except lands, title to which prior to Juily 1, 1947, shall have been
vested in the Bocrd of Com~missioners of Everglndes Drainege Distriot under the
provisions of Section 1530 #64 s Chrpter 298, Florida Statutes 1941) of the dis-
triot situate in such county effective July 1, 1947r 'hh~ere a canel heretofore
constructed by said District hes dreined surface water from two or more counties
for the tctn yea~re preooding the presage of this tot the respective boards of
county commnissione~rs of the counties affooted she.11 couse the co6proity of such
oanal to be measured, and shall by resolution allot the drainage oeapacity thereof
t-o such aforesaid affected counties in the same proportion as debt service taxes
of said District for benefits received from said canal have been paid by such
counties for such period.

Section 7r Tax collectors and tax assessors of the respective counties
lyihg~ wholly obr partially `within the Evergledes Drainage District shall be compen-
sated for their services provided fo~r herein, in the manner prescribed by general
law for the assessment and collection of ad valorem taxes of the county.

Section 8: All moneys in the hands of the clerks of the circuit courts of
the coujntiesly~in~g wholly or partially within the~ Evergledes Drainage Listrict
received on July 1, 1947, or received by such olorks after such date, by virtue
of the provisions of Sectiona 1530 (61) and 1530 (62), Chep~ter 298, Florida
Statutes 1941, less the fees of such clerks provided for therein shall be remitted
to the State Treasurer and shall becomo a part of the special Everglades Debt
Service Fund provided for in this Act.

Section 9: The title to p11 real estate which shall have vested in the
Borrd of Commissioners of Everglades Drainage District prior to July 1, 1947,
pursuant to the provisions of Section 1530 (64), Chopter 298, Florida Statutes
1941, which have not been soJld prior to July 1, 1947, shell be nutheo.tically on
July 1, 1947, vested in thes Trens~urer of the State of Florida. The State Treas-
urer shpll have th~e power to sell such lEnds for esth, rnd shall have power rad
Pauthority to adopt end promulgete reasonable rules rnd regulations relating to the
said srol of said lands, the minimum price at which the respective lands shall be
sold, and the method end terms of such srles. The said Stcte Treoaurer shall con-
s~titute and appoint the severcal respective clocks of the circuit court of the
counties whose lands lie wholly ior prrtirlly within the said 1Svergledes Drainage.
District es his agents fo~r the~ purpose? of snle 4nd conveyence of said lands
end the said clerks ere hereby ruthorised and empowered to execute conveyances in
the ncame of Ind under the direction of the St;ate Treasurer to the grantees who
purchase said lands pursuedt tc this Act end the rules rlld regulations of the State
Treasurer aforesraid. For services performeJd as such gent, the respective clerks
shall receive the fooe provided by general law for similar services performed as
circuit olerk, end enoh auch clerk rs such agent aforesaid shall promptly aooount
to the State Treasurer for the sales of such lulds according to the rules mad regu-
lations promulgated osa foresaid.
Any parson desiring to purchase Fany p roel of the efboreaid lands, shall
deposit with the clerk of the circuit gourt as aganrt aforesaid the enount orf his
initial bid, which shnll be not less th n the price ra determined and fixed by
the Stpte Treasurer in his foresnid rules nnd roguletio~ns, plue the estimated costs
of advertising the same for public sale, and all fees incident thereto provided by
la~w. Before selling any .lend, it shall be the duty of the clerk of the circuit
court as gent aforesaid to cause a notice of intention to sell to be published in
a newspaper published in the county in which said land is situated which notice
shall be published once each wreek for two auccessive weeks, two publications
beinI sufficient, which shall notify all concerned that such land will be offered
at such sale to the highest bidder for Qaesh at the court house door in the county
where the land is situaiteds on the day to be specified therein, which day shall be
not less then fifteen days nor more than thirty days from the dnte of the first;





.24
)I.61 660
Page Four

publication of the notice. It shall be t~he further duty of the clerk of the
circuit court as agent afore~spid,.to send by registered mail at; least fifteen
days before tlhe dsete of splei. a copy of such proposed notice to the last known
address of t~he person,. firm; or corporation to wfhom the lands described in said
notice were last eassessed,. if known.. Howover, the failure of the person,.firm
or. corporation to whom said land was las~t; ssessed to receive such notice shall
not involida~te the sale or atffect the rights of the purchaser thereunder, nor
shall the failure of the oclrk as aeont asfores id to give such notice by meil
involida~te the sale or affect the rights of the: purchaser thereunder, it being
the intention that this provision for mailin-5 of said. notice shAll be directory
only.. Said sale may be held on Flny dey of the week except Sundaly, and at any
time spacifie~d in the notice between the hours of 1100 o'clock k.Mi.4 Pnd 2 00
o'elook P.R. o~f arid day of sole,. The rmoUnt deposited with the said circuit
clerk psa agent a~foresPid by the. person desiring to purchase the land, shall be
taken pnd considered ,s the first bid, Ind if no other bids are made, the land
Fghall be gjold to such person by the said clerk rs agent aforeseid, for the amount
;of such bid, but if other bids are shade,.the land shall be sold to the highest
bidder for cash. and if the person who made the deposit is the highest bidder.
the land shall be sold to him,~ and the amount deposited by him shall be applied
on his bid. The notice of sale aforesaid may contain descriptions of more than
one peroel of land and may cover lands included in more than one application upon
which deposits have been made by different bidders as aforesaid; provided, how-
every ~that e'ach such description of lands as separately applied for shall be sold
separatelyi

Section 10f Any lands struck off to the Board of Commissioners of Evergladea
Drainae D~i~stro by the tax collector at a~ny ssle prior to July 1, 1947), for
which the period of redemption of two years from the date of such sale shall not
have expired on July 14 19479, ed which shall not have been redeemed as provided
in Section 1530 (84)> Chopter 298, Floridcl Staot~utes 1941,. prior to said date may
thereafter be redeemed as provided for in sPid law within said two yewr period
of redemption; provided Zthet the title to cany such lands not so redeemed after
July 1,. 1947,. and within the srid two yearr period of redemptioni shall at the exe
piration of acid time for redempit~ion vest in the Treasurer of the State of Florida
without any fuflr~ther proceedings~ and shall be subject to disposition and sal6-:.
in the manner provided by this Acto

Section 11: Upon the ppymen~t; nd retirement of ell debts and obligations
hertorrGL-OZ ntuffed Pnd outs~trnding on July 1, 1947% rgainst the Everglades
Drapines~e Distrirt-s As provided in Secjtion 2 of this Ac~t, all lands belonging to
said Droinege District hereby vested in the Stat~te Treasure~r shall be c-ertified
by him to the respective counties in which such knnds are situated nnd locatedo
Such certification shall hrve the: force nd effoot for pll purposes of a foe
simple conveyance, wd shr11l yest title to such haids in the respective county
wheresin the some are situated end located, tand said lands shPll be subject to
sa~le and conveyrance by the Board of County Commissioners of such county in the
manner provided by general law Euthorizing the srle end conveyance of county owned
real propertyL

Section 12t The provisions of this Act are severable-, and if. wy of its
provisi~ons shall be helld unconstitutional by a~ny court of competent ju~risdiction,.
the decision of such court shrll not affect or impair any of the remaining pro-
visions of this Act. It is hereby deolored to be the legis~la.tive intent that
thia Act would hanve been adopted and passed ha~d such unconstitutional provision
not been included herein.

Section la: All lanws end parts of laws in conflict herewit~h re hereby
superseedied A~ndicp repeled to the extent; of such conflict c

Section 14: This Act shPll takeo effoot a2t 2>00 o'clock noon, July 1, 1947.


- 4-







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Bamount oft M~aney~ spent'l Xby sa county
on F~lood Itaer~gency dikeu work .. . . .119,8B67.731

Amount of Ireasyl~ opent bJY the Hlder~al.
Government ona Flood Itoer~rgeny dike `ork. . . f5A 159,692.0)

Amount of Moaneyv spent byr Bad CoutyrB1
on Flood maeergsa~syP eanal e~6rle~aig~. . . .$ 194T6.W,

AmounPt of ManeyL~ s~pen byi the~ PI~ZFedra
Government; an F~Led ~ItuargE~ene caalI
eleranin~g wBrk ... . .. . ... .. .. 72,8318.68 92,280.12

ThiZs aslkaS1 a total of. . .- ... .. .. .. .. . $~21,9721.119





TERTA~TIVE 19473 LEGISLA~TIZE PROGRAMS,
EVERft~ GLABDS DnRAINAE DISTRICT, AS
PROPOSED AT PRESZLrNBERY LEGI~SLAT~ORt~SI
CONIERENTCE, FEBRUARBY 1225[

1. Amend statement of purposes of Distriot to include water control ands
conservation.

e. Almenad sub-section 2. aet the saeotion conferring powers on the Board for
the purpose of including after the words "gthBer properties" the words "atnd
for the control of the insitallation ~and perartian of public or private, w~ter
control facilities?"

3. Spec~ific authority to make oil reservations in Districot; deeds, oeverintg
point in controversy in W~ert; Florida I. I. Board litigation new in
Suprem~e~ Courtr.

4., Speci~fi au~thoriCty for eonaummsation of proposed plans with U. S. Wildlife
Serve and Park Serpie,

5. Provide statutory audsority to dedicate ooneervation areas, ratifying
prior dedications. This would include soil conservation dediodfian powers
and provisions for c~ancellation;L of unsold tax certificates on easnservation
areas, authority to rodsean sold certificates oncoan~serv~ation area, and
provision for no fvirther sorti2ficat~esr n such areas.

6. Provide for power to make "swaps" and oazh~anges wrhere advantageena On
working out oonservation areas acnd otherwise.

7. While not a part; of Evesrgladse Dr3aianee Districrt le(Fgisrltion, it is
important to see that the I, L. Board seemres legislation authoris~ing it
to dedicate sonansrvat~ion areas, to make ordhangse and to deal with the
United S6ates W~ldli~fe SrcrviceQ along the lines proposed with respect to
the Paln Beadh County~ conservation arrea. Thia au~Thorityywhoilae intended
to cover these points, should be broad enouagh to authors similar matters
which may be proposed in the future.

8. Provision allowing Board disoretion in fixin9g attorne~eysk fees.

S. Provision based upon Sebo. 298.57 La General Drainage Law for rights of
way of individuals through lands of others for oranal access, but makta~ig
the, obtaiates of audb rights of way by individuals dependent upon approval
and permission from Everglaesr Board.

10. Provision for acquisitions of easomnaba reserved in JI, I. Board deeds,

11. Provide a statutory remeRdyT against squatters asn the ri~h~ts of way rad other
properties of the Dirstriotrf, with provision that the, statutes of limitations
tSquatterst rights) deall. not ru~n against the D~istriort.

18. Exemption of ~irstrie~t fran adverse Q;fefot; of county taxr foreelosures,
chaminating effoot of Dadec Coun~ty decision.

13.Proeatleton of Distriot against issuance of' tax deeds, etlimiiatinsg the
effoot of the Rosen dseision.r This protection should include protestian
against the possible less of reserved rights of ingr through the issuanaei
of tax deeds.

14. Provision for specific statutory kadurC~oity for sae of $185,000 funad, faor
wap of $50,000 furnq.-owr fgh ederal Court registry, and any other funda .
not earmarked at time of ireftuning for debt service, to ber uased for
construction and maintenance purposes.





r16. Provide that all. proe~sedsa I1efro sales of land the title to which beese~i~
vested in the Board for non-paymlent of administ~rat~eio (d vaesidhext) taxes
only, hereinafter shall be paid into the Adminsistration Fund of the
Dtist~riot, and that the Board ma ~transfer into andh Adninistration Funtd all
proceeds of such sales heretdfore made.

16. ClarifyT right to uae Adm~inistra~tion Funa fora consatruction anbd maintename.~

17* Provision or~s giving Board power to neae portions of Debt; Sfervice Fund not
eamrktsed for debt service Byr bond conltract) Bfo administration purposes,
including construction sruad maantenance.

18. Provide power to use Debt gService FPUndt~i for rep~Baira in the event of stoem
at. other natural emaergeney at "Acte of Go6B.P

19. Increase atd v~alora tax froan one-half$ mill to one maill.

20Z, Re~vise provisions for rsettingt u;p at maintenance area~s andl lepvying; malintenanoe
taxes, so~ as to oreatet- practica8ble syst~e.

31. Provida~n for taxing lands beyond the meeander fineagt La]Eke Okeehobee, or'
tib, the alternative,: a provision disolaining ~any-responsibility for serviee
of such lynde byC~p the Distriet.





M~arch1 80s 197


Everglades Dra;inage ;Distriotr
Comnoan Buildings
Wesiat4 Paia Seach, Florida



Attentionr s Mr K.M~e hroopD
T~reausr



Gentlement


R~ceipt isr acktnowledged wit thanks of your letter of the 21st instant

enclosing cropiesr of proposed bills to be introduced at the o~aning ses*

sion of the Legislature as regards Everglades DrrainoagDistriot matterrs

as fo~lnowa


le To establish areasl for sensrvarption water anrd soil in the Distriote


2. For maintenance areras and tax therefor in the DIshtriot*


3. ReLating to C~ounty tax title suite eoverinrg lands in the Distriatr


4. Authority be convey to: ~?hth~e~aaaaaaaaaaaaaa United St slnds in the Dist~rig t or


any interestf the-rein.

Be Relrtivoe to the adminirt~rativer tax of the Distriot and heoreasing

present Cta for this purpose to 1 maill.


6. Tr'ansferF to the administration fund of the Distriot any exesos pnro

oeeds fran the debt servie tax of' the histriot to the admip~nistram

tion funded


7. Rerlative to rrater control and conservation of lands in the dist~riote


WW~ have not had o~pportunity, as yet, to study these proposed sets anrd

therefore, the forllowng seementsr~ requesated bYO yo sould be consCidere~d

as pmrlim~inary and ktentatve only


1. While this proposed set apparently would have little or no efforot

on those areas belonging to usr in the district, it would appear to

have far awashing; effeet and, if such hasr not already been dones it

wroul~d be our suggesrtion that open hearings on the subjcrct should be

held and the thoughts of those directly affeeteld be assertiained.

it ooours to us that third s my bsoomes a very sroutrwersial matter*





If, as nof QBsdappear to be1 the8 ealse thea tax for pBaying off~ thke Dis*
trietts Indabtedlnsrs reaaulks inl 6be aoomulaution of mo~re fPunds tha

are, necessary for that spoolficr purpose, then it soQoars to Us~ th

any asrh exseas16 abro'uld IbeIiX ed to reduces 'the indab~tednessr andc hn

this wa, paly o~f f te indebtednessr %in, evenlss qutoikerl time t~han wasL

originally estimated tro be~w possible.


Ilt is junst such auction as that~ proposed whichi bria~ nst~ao disrepube~

thk~e handling, of' cthe aff'air of 9thes Distrfate Wea eascnrneStl suggest

that ths s12ret not be paslsed Buti, instesadr that; earW 4nexess tends in

this debt service fundj over and rabovea wrhat~ Is necesry to die*

ohbarge ourrent 'indebtednessr reuiraremets, he ut;ilised not for ad*

m~tinisrart ion purpores or any other purpose thasn mres quickly dis-

cha~rgin: theI DistrPIQtls indebtedness.


To QlPcoaar sl ea ent this proposed no is the same as thart rsta~td in planr

agrapha 1 and 2, ona the preceding pages.


i;e will appreci~a e anry ememnrts~t f1 tran you senoerning1 U oullrWIlB comments abo

eXPressed.


With thanks for youzr courtesy in the~ rmatebr,



Very tnrly yours,


"uA1IAMI LANvI DVELO'PMN ~coUllAN~IY



By~~~__~ ~
DI Grah~an CopeandLr





2. O.ur cove~nt; ol thisX propoaSJ: rlut I ;is 0 an~e as bi:at: its.Tediately

state~~d gj.'oeve.


goa ne 03eed norj .objection ton thiS~ proposed act.


4. Agl?''~~ain we see no objection to this not,.Frovidedl its pur*Port; is

t aCrough;lyP undejrstood ~ne agr~eed: Il..On'p by th owers 0: 'lane;' aff~ee-

bed.


5. eBg iustf ratrongr~lyi opnoDC ne ny, Inc~1~~ree iillage ~for adminisetration

purposes.


10. tia revampi-in- oz lbe en~ilre structur~ of' thie r 1striet uri-ng th

_.011aud idn~'n-iat~ration, a tasx orl /2~ :7.11 was irmosar: Car adm~nirstra-

t~ios our-porsea. iGuchi Lax is believed to; be Oreple :;orL the~ iurose anld,

las stated, tep oppose any inlcrease thereien. mer those portions of

ithe i~a ;tt~rio here abeoolutely no bateneft ha~ e3ver beenr received

~ror: th~er ;itritta; 's orks8 andl, indeed: serious dwoamg has resultedl

anyt taxr for admlinistrlxation purooases Is considered hapropr.~ :low*r

ever, inS border to L"playJ ball*,g ~We j:iC not opp~ose tkea 2 n-ill tax

Ifo wr administration yurposnee. 17*s tilEl on~osea any irrorbeae in Ext;,n

6ss iF' the inrclrase beg app~lid ~to ouer propertle whichl, !.nstead of

einP se~nemated~:g Fr ~tle all.Thltestf (.erree~ byd present wo~rks of' the Misl

trioch aind of tlose P~roposei, hwa ee atually been seriaousl Parag;ed.


6 It; la olar opiniao that~ thits act, prov4.iding fr th~e tranarer rom~

dE~bt serQice ta liuse tot ami~nist~2ior ationtaxfF; ni of~ Any exocss

monies collected :'or debt~r rservice, is a very bad~ coe and ab noulld: ad1~

be ensatedar intio ~law.


IEt was our uniorstian~dineng' f"of t' rifpinal act~ F-overfning dbt ser-

viewlr that th~e roain consi~derction: wsas to0 my oft' all deb~t~- e.' the;

ea~rlltst moment practicasble ran, theireby;, release all landa Trom1

any orltiginally incu~rsel tidebtedness.


''er this~ Purposne, ert~ai~n debt se~rvice ta wass est~alishec~ sn:, aoes

esBtablish-ed., it wasp deme gastP c: ficient to o~ay r):1 theO in-':r'ict'LS

S.nr'ebtednessa in dthe s!cr-test- time pofibl.Se.





o/ diEORGE: CONRAD W-ESTERVELT wt 336
ii 8 CIRCLE
SEBRING, FLORIDA

PALM AND PINE LAND CO.
LAKE FARMS COMPANY Arl1
1 9 47



Senator Ernest Graham,
Pensueo, via Hialeah,
Florida.

Dear Ernest:

I have no doubt that you have seen and are familiar with the various
special Acts of the Legislature introduced by Mbr. W. D. Hilsabeck, Chairman of
the Everglades Drainage District.

Two of these Acts in particular, namely #9175 and #9177, have attracted
up attention due to the sweeping nature of the proposed legislation and to a
very active doubt in myr mind as to the reasons for the attempt to secure certain
powers, and the possible personalities behind these attempts. Take, for ex-
ample, Proposal #d9177. This would empower the Board of Commissioners of the
District to establish areas for conservation of water and soil within the boundaries
of the District, etc. etc. I have not, of course, seen the proposed bill itself,
but an Act of this kind could, of course, be extremely startling in its extension
of the right of eminent domain and, in the case of our own immediate situation
in~1 this area, could make it possible for certain individuals to benefit very
greatly at the expense of other individuals.

I tried to get you by telephone to discuss this matter with you but
due to the strike was unable to get through. Would you be kind enough to give
me your thoughts on these matters as I am sure you are reasonably familiar with
the behind-the-scenes moves and will, as always, be very enlightening and
definite in your opinions as to the merits of the proposals.

I am trying to get over to Tamnpa later in the week to discuss these
matters with Mr. John Lykes as, I am sure, he will take a very active interest
in them.

I wonder if you are familiar with another piece of proposed local
legislation. This is a proposed local legislation affecting Hendry County which
reads as follows:

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR LOCAL LEGISLATION
AN ACT providing that, in Hendry Countiy, no person, persons or
interests shall fence out: or bar: or keep fenced out the
public from fishing or hunting wildlife on any lands contain-
ing, or occupied by, such wildlife when such fishing or





Senator Graham


-2-


April 14, 1-947


hunting is done in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the State Game and Fish Commission and providing that nothing
in such Act shall appdy to homesteads; or of farm lands under
cultivation; or of Game Farms established and licensed in
accordance wpith existing laws and of the rules and regulations
of the State Game and Fish Commission.

A. A. Harrington
No. 191-March 13, l1947

Similar moves to this have been tried in many parts of the U. 8. and
have, I believe, whenever they have come to court trial, been ruled unconstite-
tional. Tfhis, of course, is an expensive and difficult proceddure to carry out,
and it looks like the thing to do is to "scotchtt legislation of this kind
e-borning, if possible. As you know it is extremely difficult to deal with
Local legislation, as one legislator does not like to oppose the proposals of
another. Will you be kind enough to consider this matter in your reply to me,
letting me know what you know about the particular situation referred to and
what you think should be done, about it. I feel certain that you, as well as
any other fairly large land owner, would be opposed to a legislative opening
of his area to arlybody who might care to go in it with a gun or a fishing pole.
If the matter is successfully accomplished in one county it will, of course,
spread at the next term of the legislature into mtany counties.

With best regards,


Very sincere y yours,



G. C. Westervelt





BRO~WARJD COUNTY


W1hat the passage of House Bill 660 would mean to property owners

of land in Everglades Drainage Distriot in Broward Countyt



It will save them approximately $B1,957,000

Whrtich is $91s873,000 ad valoream tax
-84,000
gb1s9573000


Total cost per person per year -- Population 50,044 -- $1.95





Tihat thek pesiage orf House bil 400C weak~ rea~nwx t

propesrtyi ownere of' landt3 in lEvrsergde Orainages~l uviatriotj I

Collier Qqountys~


It wil~8ftlB sae tha

eare6~ae GJL 20 YIea $664,440
adt valor em tx 88 yeart5
Total sa~ving Ant 1970 $94,89 8



Total3 per yearW peir personB ar t0098





EIGEIANDS COUNTY


Illhat the passage of House Bill 660 would mean to the

property owners of land in Everglades; Drainage Distric~t in

Highlands County:


It; wAould save

Debt Service tax
ad valorem tax
Total


$b71,440
2,151
$~73,591


Total cost per year per person HIighlanda County


-- $0.25





MONROE COUNTY


WPlhat the passage of House Bill 860 would mean to

property owners of land in Everglaides Drainage District in

MIonroe County:



It would save

Debt Service tax $68, 600
Ad valorem tax 5,519
172,119





Martin County


W3hat the passage of House Bill 660 would mtean to property

owners of land in Everglades Drainage District in M~artin Countfyr



It would save


Debt Service tax
ad valorem tax


$255, 860
16,192
$269,852


Total cos~t per person per yeaar Mlartin County -- $b2.28





GIADES COUNTY


11hat the passage of Hlouse Bill 880 would mean to property

owners of land in Evergladea Drainage Distriot in 01atega~s Countys



It would save

D~ebt Service Tax $9478, 620
Ad valorem Tax 15, 318
$494,958


Total payment per year per person in Gladea County -- $11.40





WPEEChOLSRp~ SES ONTW


~what! the pass ge iofw Sose att Sa@ wealdx ass to~ the

property see~rs~~a at 3aat9~ toX av~r~glades Drl~ainaED Dis~trio to
Cheeoabobe Coantbya


Its wseek~a Iease

De~b &enrstota 489ae,000
AIt ratowres teaa
4 T4.0aSO


coat per pesoYn per year *p Populatten$~C B+O919 aLs #1st





ST LUCIE COUNTTY




What the passage of K~ouse Bill 660 would mean to the

property owners of land ib Everglades D~rainage Distriot in

St. Lucie Countys



It would save

TDebt Servrice tax $&1,180
Ahd valorem tax 2,398
To tal $45, 572





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J. A.STILES, PRES. & MAINAGER
'AELL~AHASEE,FLORIHDA





April 15, 1947


8 Cirole
Febrings Plorida

Dear Mr. Wes~iUt;9ervael

Your l~t~ter to Mr. Grah9~iaam es rce~ivd todayJ and we are
forwrarding: stame to him.r

Mir Graham is f~a~iiar with the paroposed Everglades
legitllation and has been workinr with Miir ~ohn LYkes1
inl 'Pa.1ahasse on theserc~c matters to is pending a parrt
of eachB wek at Tallahsasse during legisata2ure and can
be reached tat theb Cherekes Bota~te Tallahassee, floridae

Very truly youars,

GRAL~l!:' DBAIR, INC.





1. D. MArCVICAR


TELEPHONE 3-4611


FRANK WELLS


"TOPS IN SERVICE"




P. O. BOX 125, BUENA VISTA STATION

MIAMI 87, FLORIDA



April 19, 1947


M~r. Ernest R. Graha~
Cherokee Hotel
Tallahassee, Fla.

Dear Ernest:

There has been considerable publicity relative to the
legislation proposed by the Everglades Drainage Com-
mission, and it appears that there may have been a mia-
understanding in some quarters as to how this legislation
was viewed by the Dade County Commissioners.

The legislation in question was discussed at length by the
Board of Dade County Commissioners, on two different occasions
but was not considered favorably.

At the second conference the matter was referred to
Mr. Park Campbell and County Engineer, Earl Rader, for
further study and report back to the Board, but to the
best of my recollection no report on the outcome of this
study has yet been submitted to the County Gommission.

With kindest personal regards

Sincerely,



I. D. MacVicar
County Commissioner, 3rd
idm;j1 Distriot, Dade County





Respectfully yours,


~~~ec"~icUwrS


-/J~;'~,~ ~ ~D/S~LCIC~j


T


C



L'

/In ~P2~RL


P~(a3~PJ~;~LC;~~CQ~~-
.~zCvMy/

,a~-~t-.,~,~'~c~i, ~
V- sc


Miami Springs, Florida


April 23, 1947



Hon. E. R. Graham
Cherokee Hotel
Tallahassee, Florida
DeirS Senator:
W~e, the undersigned,. being property owners on or
near the batnks of the M~iami Canal, from the Cityr limits of
Hialeah to five miles north of Graham Dairy, are very much
interested in the Everglades Drainage Bill, now before the
Legislature, and would appreciate your assistance and in-
fluence in protecting our rights.
As you blow, our homes are of necessityr located
on the lands immediately adjacent to the Canal, these being
the only suitable homesites. Also, the school busses run
along Route 25 to pick up our children for school in Hialeah.
Thanking you in advance for your consideration and co-
operation, we are


~yvla


~-r~-u V


~ce~w


e~e~ne~ 43Y: LChQCeLQA-h,
~2-P~II~Cpl~-r (C~ L~31~


P ~")^~eLg--
~71--9. ,~-~~
G~ct;, ~;S//t~83~7


~~c~n~by


o~-1 ~LPLZ*R~





Judg e To Connelly
OkeechSe~ bee Fglr7


*HERING~J ONT DRINA~lGE~ BIL WEDNSESDAY AFTERNOON9 98BREE O' COCK

WOITULD HELPI A GREaT PEAL, IF YOU coULD BEs THERE WIIL TRBY 10t IXEKE~

TELEPBONE~ Y0 TONIGHT FROMd faJTALLAEASSEE


ERG





April 12, 1947P


Er, D, G~rahcra Copea~fndf
Evesrglades
Florida

Dear Mr. Copelaud:

I; haver ye re~tusrne from Ta~llahasseeg a~d tried to get you ran the
phonrte, but; with no aotoeas.

~The fverglades bilsls werrek not introd~uacd lasst -week93 and rEil fbseat
told as they are g~oing to wirthMdreaw the onre he~reasingg the ~ f~at rea tax
and also the bill int regardi to samintenrrtance t~axes andf maintenance 6 istriots.
Zhbe taproesion give~n in the paper reports here wals that ~thegy wioere fas~t
with~drram ~temporarily, butu that is not wshat; her told laW. After ta~fglkta
withb Mr. EallyT and others,1P~ I doubtr if thesy cean p~fass any of the bills asl
preasntly drawn. Mrz. KEll1y told as Theredaty he found no suPport for these


A num~ber of us h dlllU~isonse the ardvisabilit~ty ~f~ putting in3 a bill
~to changes the set;-up;" oti~ ithe'3 1~ Evrlae ran so each~l oUnty woTuld haver
one comm~ipssioner, Th~Ja~t; would amean esleven e8amissioners. Thile ~that
vnoal~d be an tSY 'board, it woDuld praot ieally insuare against the
rmanipulationsa that nowt~ go one F-r the last four years, threCe menR have
psracicarn~ l~ly s~i~pulated th~e affirsBEL~ of* th distriot.

As it, stband n,-w no one in theo dlostJ~ric rcan plan ahead as he doesn't
knogw wBhat if, going to hm~pappen to him at the next ~legisaure As for
instanceI, in sray you~r cOajpty, or Glades, or an7y other as far~ as that goes,
they Could puzt a bill thrroughl a:. y te as a proposed mari~n~tenranoe, bill
jarrping your taxes tfo- a point whe~razif youf were~ opetrating oat'lee or any
stable, erop, you wad~d L`e unatbler to stay in business.

I belioeve that if yoau e;ould puit~ ove~r a bill li:_e thisa, -R adpgt be
poesfSibe in two or fourp years to ,'et areas like8 yours and O~Urs and all
thiat sootton' north and rest; of i;th lkeb orui of hthe 4iStrich In feet;
I think: eaeb eauntysg woldows a-ga ~n Pd awa~Pnc ItBs are ofL the indebtaes'
which wealA be veryr small art that time.pa Tith the Federal Government ton
conb~rol at LakeP OkeseehaiBe, I caan se no roaeason rans an eagineesr~ist
abanrdpoinrt whyp t~his a .ld not be done. I can sete as g~ret mnany advantages
from an operatuc standpoint.

I am returning to Ta~llhassee M~onayel morning and wirll be rat the
Cherekree Ho~tel until 'thursday or Friday. I wsouldr rCus into it ijF yes
wersr~Al drop Pa a line telling ase what: yo th~ink at this idea,

Sineearely yeauresl


Ernest R. Gra~han





TALMPAL MC>RNING TRIlBUNE
FIRST ON THE VVEST COAST

TAlW PA 1, &1 0 R1ID A
April 12, 1947


dr* Ernest R. Ciraham
Former State Senator
Miami, Fla.

Dear Mr. lraham,

The Tribune is interested in the water control problem in
South Florida and particularly in the Everglades Drainage District,
where the problem appears to be of more serious proportions than
anywhere else in the state.

In the course of an investigation of this problem, I: spent
part of last week in the Palml Beach-Belle Glade area interviewing
various persons interested in the water control program.

Several. with whom I talked mentioned you as a leading opponent
of a plan to establish throee water conservation areas in the Ever-
glades Dr~ainagse District.

Inasmuch as we want to present all phases of the water control
issue, I would appreciate comment from you on the following questions:

1. What Is your objection to the water conservation plant

2. Approximately how anch land do you own in the Everglades
Drainage District and howp would it be affected, if at all, by the
proposed conservation pglan?

3. What is your own idea of the proper way to solve the re-
ourrent drouth-flood problem in the EvergladestJ

4. Do you approve or disapprove proposed legislation which
would enable the drainage district to increase its tax levy in order
to raise more money for maintaining drainage canala~t

5. Do you have any specific criticism of the way the Everglades
Drainage District has been operated in recent years or is now being
operated

6. Do you think the entire water control problem, including
enoofachment of salt in the fresh water supplies of the East Coast,
is ones to be handled on a federal, state or local bassist

These are spedficlquestions which occur to mte as bearing on
the issue. Atny related comment you care to make on the general
water control problem will be welcomne





TAM PA M ORN I NG TR IEBUN E
FIRtSf ON T"HE WEST COAST

TAM PA I, LORlC3A





I would appreciate an early reply, as I now have in hand maost
of the material for a series of news stories on the subject and plan
publtoation within a short time,




,BSincerely yours,


ames A. 01end inen
State News E~ditor





'FAR. DEPARTI\EITT
CORPS OF ENTGINEESrl
Office of the District Engineer
racleon.Tlle, Fla.

SAKGB 800.92 (CR90DA) P.E:. 21 Mlay 1947


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEA~RInTG
on improveme-nt of
NORTH NEW RIVER AND VIAMdI CANALS, FLAI.
FOR FLOOD CON~TROL

TO BE HE~LD AT: CITY HALL, BELLET GL~ADE, FL*A., AT 10:00 A.Mi. (E.S.T.) 18 JUNET 19847



Pursuant to a resolution of the Committee on Flood Control, House of

Representatives, U~nited States, adopted 28 E'ay 191C6; an item in Public Law

52i, 79th Congress, 2d Session, Chapter 595, section 7, approved 24 July

1966; and an item in Public Law 526, section 11, approved 2$ July 1946;

the District Engineer has been directed to make a review of previous reports

on Caloosahatchee River and L~ake Okeechobee Drainage Areas, Fla., and pre-

liminary examinations and surveys as indicated i~n thle authorizations quoted

as follows:

a. "RPesolved by thle Committee on Flood Control, House of Repre-
sentalives, That the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors created
under Section 3 of the River and Tlarbor A~ct approved June 13, 1902, be
and is hereby requested to review the report on the Caloosahatchie
(Caloosahatchee) River and Lakre Okeechobes Drainage Area, Flori da,
published as House Document Niunber 215, 70th Congress, let Seasion, and
subsequent reports, with a view to determining the advisability of
drainage impirovement and flood control along North New River Canal in
Broward County, Florida."

b. "Sec. 7. The Secretary of W~ar is hereby authorized and di-
ricto; to cause preliminary examlinations and surveys to be made at the
following localities, * W~est Palm Beach Canal, Hillsboro Canal, New
River (North New River) Canal, and Mijami Canal, for the purpose of
raising the water table in the area of Lake Okeechobee, Florida.* *."

c. "Sec. 11. The Secretary of Wiar is hereby authorized and
directed to cause preliminary examinations and surveys for flood control
and allied purposes * (to be made at the following localities) Caloo-
sahatchie (Caloosahatchee) River and Lake Ckeechobee Drainage Area,
Florida, for drainage improvement and flood control along North New River
Canal in Browamrd County, Florida. * "

The District Engineer has been authorized to combine the above authorized

reports with previously authorized reports on Wrest Palm Beach and Hillsboro

Canals into a single report.

In order that the required report may fully cover the matter, a Public

Hearing will be held ini the City Hall at Belle Glade, Florida, at 10100 A.MI.,





EASTERN~ STANDARD TIV"E, on 18 June 1987.

Since the public hearing held at Belle Glade, Florida, on 30 April

15946 covered a rather full discussion of West Palm Beach and Hillsboro Canals,

it is desired that the public hearing herein announced be concerned princi-

pally with North~ New River and AKiami Canals. It is the intention of this

office, however, to present a comprehensive plan for flood control in the Ever-

glades which will include features developed and coordinated by the Corps of

Engineers and features advocated by ~the Everglades Drainage Distriot, the U. S.

Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, and several individuals

and agencies. In order that local reaction may be obtained at the hearing,

Everglades interests are advised to consult local newspapers for details of

the plan. A brief description of the plan is given as follows:

a. Since there are about 700 square miles of Everglades land
lying south and east of Lake Okeechobee along the main canals for vary-
ing distances up to 20 miles from the lake which are suitable for long-
term agriculture, consideration is given to surrounding this area with
a perimeter levee and an interior rim canal,

b. Since the present canal system is inadequate for present and
prosp~eotive agricultural needs within the protected area, consideration
is given to improvement of existing canals, and construction of canals
running generally parallel to and between the IEiami and North New River
Canals and between North New River and Hillsboro Canals.

c. Since drainage and ground-water requirements must often be ful-
filled without delay, it is believed that gravity flow would be too slow
to prevent frequent damages. Therefore, consideration will be given to
large reversible pumping stations at the lake entrances of the perimeter
canals and each of the existing main canals for flood control or ground-
water reauirements. Large pumping stations will also be considered for
the existing canals at the southern and eastern limits of the area suit-
able for agriculture, to deliver flood waters to conservation areas
outside the perimeter levee.

d. As much water as possible would be impounded in conservation
areasabetween the agricultural area and the coastal area for increase
in municipal water supply, soil and water conservation, wildlife benefits,
and amelioration of winter temperatures. Improvemenlt of spillway
structures at the coastal ends of existing canals would be necessary,
and certain control works and outlet channels would be required for
emergency drainage of conservation areas during periods of severe
rainfall.

All interested parties, including Federal, State and local government

officials, flood control and navigation interests, and the officials of any

drainage district or other local organization, representatives of civic and

commercial organizations, and private individuals whose interests may be

affected by the improvements under consideration are invited to be present





SAKG;B 800.92 (CR&0D~oA) P.E.


or to be represented at the hear-ing. They are invited to give information

concerning the character of improvements desired and to give specific data

on the suggested means of accomplishing such improvements. Especially are

they invited to present data on the economic benefits to be derived from the

improvements which may justify Federal participation in their construction.

These data should include the most complete and detailed accounts pos-

sible of the dates, frequency, duration, extent and severit2y of floods,

together with their damage both direct and indirect to agriculture, business

transportation and public health. In~forma-tion is also desired covering the

aspects of wildlife, pollution abatement, malaria control, recreational

improvement, and other related r~atters.

In adopting improvements of the nature under consideration, local

interests may be required to In~) provide without cost to the United States

all lands, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for the improvement;

(b) hold and save the United Sta~tes free from damagefs due to the construction

wpork; (c) maintain and operate all works after completion in accordance with

regulations prescribed by the Secretary of W-ar; (d) make necessary alterations

to any existing improvements; and (e) participate in th2e cost of the project

as determined from the study of the benefits. Local interests should be

able to give an indication of the degree of local cooperation which they will

be willing to offer.

Oral statements will be heard, but; for accuracy of record all important

facts and arguments should be submitted in writing, as the records of the

hearing will be forw~iarded for consideration by the ':ar Department. WIritten

statements may be handed to th~e undersigned at the hearing or mailed to him

beforehand. It is requested that written statements be submitted in sextup-

licate.

Please bring the foregoing to the attention of persons known to you to
be interested in the matter.



Colonel, Corps of Engineers
District Engineer





22 MGag 1E947


HE~am. D. C. CoBleman~
Senate Ch~ambers
Tallahassaee, Florida
Dearr Sentor:

I understand thzat; Touse nJill :;660 is before the Lsgisrlatupre andrB I wtould

ayppeciate ii ?if yoau wfll, vote f~or this bill. I own, pro~pety w~eat of

27th Arvenum in Nifami and to Lth Ie~s b atf my knowledge~ ther a~bolish~ing of
t~he tai~nage district wsill not zar~m any onet and on the other hand it willP

effect-s ea savr~in or tlhe taxE payers of D~ate County.

I~t; s~eems tha~t maoste Dills 12 the Logislature re~a~te expense. This Bill.

il'rl reflaot to your credit aiinee it wsIll be one tat; reuEes taxasr for

us, I know~ you w~ll look a~ the6 matter ina the saae light.

Sincerely yours,


'Pres, LEONARD~9~ 8200 TRANSFER &tS SITORGE COr.* IN3C.
Copy to: M~r. Ernest R. Graham
o/o Graham Iairies,
Hialeah, Florida





a w ras 1947


se3a. PWa.Q ~c. Ias
eaa~se ofi Re~PresentaL~yea
Tallahas~sls eebr FiraQ~a
Dear~ ar.ZP Lan~Satif s
I. 8anderstandi thiat House Bill #660o s before thel Leglellators eaA I wablArt

agpreearte int 1 fl yea wSi votefi orB] thisPR Bill. I;owa IProp~ertyS westl of
2'fth oavnue in amiani satQ to the besrt of myJ knlarwle~ge thre aboP2lishng of
the Arinagedlp~ district w~llP not hami~ a~ny one s&at onr em tphe L o brhea- it wl3l~
effotc aB saVfing fo: theB tax: payesrs of Date Genaty.S
It aseemas thatq mostr Billsr in thea Leg~oisa~ture are~ate asDEprozease 'this BillZ
wril reflect to ygour credit aineac it will, be oner ~thatt~~~t reiases~ taxes~ for
us. I knowr you wrlll look a~t th~ matter in lth3 asraam light .
W~ith~ kint reygar~s, I Xpaa
S~3~ineerel yesrars.


I~~~i~~~Yw ~ 81ORAGEi~~L~ZS,~~ J~~~P ~aQl;~ CO ., 150,

Copy to: Mr. Ernest R. Graham,
Graham Dairies,
Hialeah, Florida





nt~ War 1947


a~onn a. 8. Qanatrl ,~
Howstl of Representtives,
Tal~aaahasee,, Florida
Darf Mr. Gentier t
itap8-I undestea that Heias Bail #660 I is beoreN the- illeis~atu rre~ fa weaplA
artppreet~ate it i Sfg year wI vot for thisi Bill. I mni propertyr west ofPX
27t~h Avenue~ toIr 633333 am atQ to therbea~t of my haeol6edge tihe aBatakine at
t5 be dramselb Ai~rstrie$ will ract haza anry oep salb on ther~ othr hearat t~ wil
artte ar savingf te ~the ta papeas atl Da9rdfe Count
It Eseem that aest Bill* inL the Le~islatar ereldSte expene.* Thi Bill
will reflet to yourredi aineeit wie ~~rIll-~ arbe o bne abatretase taxers fotra
na.t I kanw yea~ will l~ook at the matter Ex, ~th samer 'li'ght,
WiYt~h kinA adigests, I as
Sineerely years.~


Pm.I~DHIID &05 TP~FJ~r~ a StogBAG CO** neo*
Copy to Mdr. Ernest R. Graham,
Graham Dairies,
Hi~aleah, Florida





way as~, 1947i


atFna. atEshaseaaa~~~~ owalnersr
House at Reprerrsentatvee,

Dea~r W." Oslke15Srl:
I mabestantpi that basewI~U B gi 0 o bete~irsr the legisaitutrre satlu I weatlt
a~pjPreciate b it if ou willIW vote) for this Bill, I sea~ pxQlroprY esrt ofi
Ar~~ Ea'ise) lar M~SIPami ~9adto th best o fT my knotedgel the abolishinng oflj
'the traiangel~F disltrio~Qt wibll nohasmk8I ear an$I sa;P o Qte otherB~~PI heiLLaAr SLt wll
eaffeet~ a savninHg for the t~ax prayersr of Datak Cogjpaiy.
Itr seems thtat m~ost Billse in the legirslturer area3te expense.rlr This Bill
wlrlf rfaeflo ~to your earreiti sine~ it w~il bea oas thlata rednessi ta~xes flarH
us Iadi knowl ye ll. look at the m 8tat~teru in the same31 light.I
W1ith klnA regarta, If sar
Sineerely yeolar,


Prrc~~~~~~,a STORAGEB CO6. '~~~~r1 18~b., 250.

Copy to:
Mfr. Ernest R. Graham,
o/o Graham Dairies,
Hialeah, Florida





May 21, 1947.


Senator E. R. Graham,
Pensuco
Hialesh, Florida. Re: House Bill #660.

Dear Senator Graham,

I saw your splendid advertisement in
the newspaper recently, and immediately
wrote to our Senator and Representatives
asking them to vote for House Bill #660.

I agree with you that this Drainage
District could very well be abolished without
doing anyone any harm.

Kindest regards,


Respectfully yours,


A. P. Walter


A*PW: er





Mfay SS~, 1947.


HocPIn. Wa G LantaSff
State Capitol,
TalJlahassees, F~lorda.

Dear MTr. Lanta~iQfif, e gue il#
The writer is a resident West of 87th
Avenue in Dade Coutyat. I understand; there is,
berozre the beagislatSu.re,thbe above numbered House4
Bill for your conrlsiderion.
After considering the merite andb~
Amrisrts affectingf this L9glislation, as a
property owner in Date County in the area affosot-
et, it is my humbblet opinion that year vote ia
favor of the paseane of this Bill will result
in savings to our County.
At any rate, From experience, I know
of nothing for the erxpendbi~ture of any mongy that
has been mtade in recent pears by- the sro-carled
sEvser~lades Drainage Distriat#, that has proven
of bene~fit to our County, and I amn in favor of
aborlhing it;.
I shall appreciate it very artah if you
wil; support thel above Bill.*

Respectfrullyg yours,


A. P.u Walterr





Miay SS%, 194i~7.


Hon. R~idhard Cllkebrs, Jr**
State Ctapitols
Tallahassee6, Florida.

Dear Mr. Del~ker, etkne il (
TEhe, writesr is a resident West of 87#birsh
Avenue in Date~ County. I understand there is
before the Legislatrure ~thWe above numbeared
House Bill for your consideration.

After considering the mesrits and de*
merite affooting thisf Legi5lslatio~n,. as a
property owner in Dade C~ounty in the area
affooedtr, it is y huaible opinion that your
vote in favor of the passageb of this Bill will
result in savings to our County.
At any rate, fran experiences, I know
of no Wing for the expendc~iture of any monDey that
has been made in recent years bytp the sBo-alled
"Bv~terg~alade Dtrainage Distrief, that has provern
of benefit to our County,. and I an in favor of
a~bolishing it.
I shall appreciate it .Yory mush if
you wrill surpotrt the above Willr

Respectfully youcrs,

A. P. Wlalter


APWser





May SS, 1947.


Hfon.sR. B. Gautiesr, Jr.)
Strate~ Capitol,
Tallaharrace, Florida.
Res R~ousei Bill 660tS
Dear Mbr. Gautier,
The writer is a president WIest; of 2766
Avenue in Dated County. Il unaderst~and there is
before the Leglisla~ture the above numabered House
Bill for your consideration.

After considering the m~erits anud~
ds~amerite affecting this Le~gsla~tion, as a proper*
tyV owner in BDae County in the area affooted, it
is mty humble opinion that your vote in favor of
the passage of this Bill will1 Preult in sravings
to our Coutnty.

At ,ansy rate, from experience, I keno
of nothing for the expenditures of.any money that
has been made in recent years by the so-c~alled
"Eve8rglades Drainage D~istrict", that has proven
of benefit to o~tur~ County, and an 'in favor of
CabliLshingJ it~.
I sha~ll appreciatte it very anch if you
will support; the abova e Bill

Respectfully yours,


A. P.+ Wralter


APWter





May 88&, 1947.


Ron .D. C. .cole~manr,
State Capital,
'Frtlaallhasse, Floridr.*

Dear gsnastor Goleatan, Re aao 8puse Bill $r640
The writer is a resident West of
8~t~h Avenue in D~~~ate County. I understand there isr
before the Ltegisalature~ the above numbered House
Bill for your consideration.
After considering the merits and
Aemerits affooting this Legislation, as a property
ownebr in DBata County in the area affecteds it is
mny humble opinion that your vote in favor of the
passage of this Bill will result in savings to
our Countyf.
At any rate, fran experiences, I know
of nothing for ~thes expenditure of any money that
has been made in recent years by the so-carlled
"E6ivergleiade DrSainage Distriobt*, that has ~prevettn
of benefit to our Countys nan I am I-iiin favr of
abolishing it.
I shall appreciate it very much if
you wil-l support the above Bills

Resprectfullyr yours,

A. P, Walter


AB99aer





Nlhy 24, 1947
-1-



NOTE~S ONJ EVERGLADEIIS DeBAINAGE


Due to the intermingling of funds and other conditions, the Everglades

Drainage Distriot had practically bogged down in 1929. In 1931 a new act

was passed setting three taxes--adninistration, debt service, mainztainance--

and also providing how construction work could be financed. The district

was re-financed in 1941 and again in 1944. Wihen oil leases were given in the

Ev-erglades, tax payments began to reach lose to 1000 and debt service money

began to aceanulate until on O~t~ober 51, 1946 the audit showrs cash on hand

and U. S. Bonds in the amount of $1,252,000. The anortisation schedule shows

that the bonds outstanding A~pril 2, 1947 to be $3,594,000. Evridenatly this

would leave a net debt of approximately $2,500,000, but there is no accounting

made of lands and certificates owned by the Distriot. From statements made

and information gained, we believe these assets are worth well over $2,000,000.

In other words, the real debt of the district is probably less th~an $1,300,000,

or equivalent to two years, taxes. If this is so, why should the landaowners

west of 27th Avenure continue to pay debt service taxes for 23 years and an

ad valorem tax indefinitely?

House Bill 660 would correct this condition. It would eliminate

the ad valorem tax on July 1, 1947. Incidentally this year the property

west of 27th Avenue paid in over $62,000, or approximately 800 of all the

ad valoren tax in the district. Does it makre sense to you that 80~ of

all the ad valorem value in the Everglades Drainage~ District is in that

area west of 27th Avelnue? Or that this area should carry 80% of the

administration and 800 of the maintainanoe that is nort being done u- Elh

The passage of House Bill 660 would end the ad valorem tax July 1

this year and the Bobt service tax in at the very most four years, more

likely in two years. It would make a saving to the tax payers of D)ade County

west of 27Vth BAvenue of approximately r,,000,000.

This ad valorem tax was started over 30 years ago. Since then the

development west of 27-th avenue has been such that the tax is now just a

nuisance tax as far as small acreages, lead and lots are concerned. But,





remember it enoumnbere your land. Remember that this area takes in the

municipalities of Homestead, South Miamd, part of Gocanut Grove, Coral

Gables ,, Miami ~ ~ Springs, Hiaeahhst0p Lokh4
House Bill 660 puts the debt service money in the hands of the State

Treasurer. Thes tax will continue until a sufrflient amount is on hand to

pay off the bonds and this cannot take over four years and will probably

be within twoe yeareabfter that, no debt service tax will be paid

House Bill 680 places management of the district in each county in

the hands of the County Commissioners. This will eliminate all administration

costs. One of the objections to the bill is that there was no co-ordinating
I-Y CL-
body in case of disputes between counties. This objection w~i~eal ** alkiate

by making the State Conservation Board (which consists of the whole cabinet;

who are all elected by the people),the co-ordinating body.

In principal, the oqpponntsl approve the billlas I have been told te
are willing to let out of -the district all counties except Hendrys Palm Beach,

Broward, and Dade. WIhy keep Dade in exoopt as a source o ei~nue? The p
Everg;lades Drainage Distriot has spent no money in D~ade County in the last

20 years. Dade county now has a county wide water conservation district

can assess a two mill levy which will raise $l250,000 per yeard why should

we carry we carry some one else's burden to the tune of approxjrate~l150,000

per year? Furthermore, if Dade does not get out of the Everg~lades Drainage

District when the mall counties do, slasn 'L never get out.
House Bill 660 should be passed now. The old tax set up should be

completely eliminated. Do not think TBade County is the only county getting

a Had deal. all the small counties around the north end of the take get

practically no benefit since the Federal Government nown controls Lake Okeechobee

and the St. Lu~ire and Caloosahatchee canals. For instance, Glades County 1946

levy was over $24,000. This meant $11.40 for every man, woman, and child per

year. Do you wonder that they want outO

The solution is thisr pass House Bill 660 and eliminate the present

tax set up. This bill provided for levying taxes for maintenance and construction

but makes it so those who benefit shall pay the coat. (What is unfair about

that?) ThhY "~b~L~ik~~~~l~slrm~





'If you favor House Bill 660, wire, write, or call Senator Goleman and

your House Delegation of Messrs. Oelkeres Gautier, and Lan~taff.





In exsreiazon ~ai--to iose LS.11 000,I fthe purpse o~f adrich~ bill to

to habliah thes Board of' Gr-3Tissioners of he3 DyerX~ggE~lae ,1raige

:.atriot iandX pu ths collectis::~ of a~ll~ debt series tezoa andc tihe

spoont of all E5,bon~df s inthg khan~tds of~ pjthe Mte Treaurer, and~t to~

nut thea control of the~ amics in thie hansur~ of the~ sconty 2ocordL: aionears

of each3 Counaty.

"uchZ Information hirtatsz ben iron out arboult thir tIfll whichF is

nots true.~ Sh PNets Bar thees~ All property iS TAde CountyC restrr

ofl 89thf~ Avetacsau fI in the Evergladea D:ra inae Mistrict. The6 grrroth

of this Bdarea has8 been asz ~girea that nor thlis areaL alous pae 704; of

the adminis'tration t of the Eve~rglrsates Dinagref Ditertrich A

fbr instance Coral Gables al~tOne paysr (17500, ors app rominately 1/5

of' thei senie a~dmint.artration trax of thes district$ These8 figuresI ca

be verified by ca~lling I'rnro~ Ne ama Tax Asserssor of 'adec County.

Biades iCounty pays a~pprozitate~dly j84,S00 per yearL~ toi debt service tense~

and no work ~ has bn done~rr lar 'ada Count~y ~to the? rlas~et; twaeny yeaLrs

We~r yers pa g, ~tLe~ Lverladteo DanJines iDisptriot Co irx-.:bjission

broueght in bills thL~at ould have doub'tled! tPnohe ad valaX61 Ram X and

would tranader pac rr-t~ of the debt Esorrico money to cooaetructlionl 7UPUrpoe

Those bille wer beaten iLn commi..0 ee. This yearlli th~ onei bills w~r~e~

brought 'bookl $.n. Ins fkt, they ~tadva~ertsd sevena o~r er,~t: bS.11a but

so aneh~J~ op*al~f or ti~on was raie that oy four billa~~s~s~ ereintrod~uced.

After! the first bll3 was~a~ rejected by th-~e Se~aste committee, the rest~

of the~ billar we a held ~upg in thel -iene~ at withdsrawnl by tha Committeer

to th Hos rand indein~iately pe~a2Fened.



but ther hieif Eaz~ieer of the EverglaBdea D~iirainag ;ciatcErot; whe

que~stione ig the ''e~oresntatsive fr9 ior De Coun~ty abate that the

plana of~ th iMjgetrit and~ the sesoUZ363l ;ions 3.rDOpod would~ insve little

natelrial e-f~act as~ the~ Hiam~ri watr srupply.

~olsea ~in cOnFtrPol at the~ C~berIGlade ~SBoar todaygt openly~ state they

be~lieve ~LUall of orida kaboeld con~~triu toD the dtrevelopeanof thef~

erpl~ade~ts, the aponsoDrs of i4the .Douse at.11 689iQ ~'fBVelevetht any ag

to be9 devlolped to~ t~he Frrgladess 1aoud tar ther own oosts.r The





of i lssesa in the .rEvoterlas far~eB irresponsible forP eepee pa1X iAyingEE~~~~EEEE~~~

pan~OtIc~Ly 100$ of the de;bt sorriseo tax.b As a5 Zesulft off tha~t theB

ca3lot;5one are~ eF.prazif~ately fG000,S00 a yegar+ SIf ~this song to Par8

ifor thefw purpsee~ it abporcld be Lusad. for, iltl theaa bond a woul.' be~ satied

to9[ less~ thaI sour yeas' time thi~at~ mean~ :6: proiw45~~a Ce ownErs wea

of 27~3th AveBnna~ 'Bwou~gld saveaa~ some~O r400 aJ year in~h debt~ sevc eS~

fL Hease B~Ll 880 passaesP, ithe8 ad valersrpan would~i b asbol3cised July I

andi the~ tampayer oi'f hisl artea would save aB~:pproxf i stety anothesserr ',52,00

a year~1* 'Owing~ to th g5rowthf~" and rapid? de7molopment.4 weat oi f W:h Avenues

this take5~ f in 3~anestad, much of GosenetX Gre~Vd tesn all of~et C ral Cabl

fctantis Sprinzgs, iSMr~ andrtf Oa ~Loetsr ?hsland ha~xbrsr beesnt dividedb

te~na it~y lots uan aba ll aarri~ ~~eages 8zand thee Evarerlae debrt services ta

hars bcome~ morep1 or l-es of ~a -oJt~akasn e~ tas. t theaf ;anaeiB2~ Stamei;fo Ae A

a lIonB ona the propsr~ rby in thlis arwuea.k ::awy Ef~ 5ye2 wlill ~FrecLall oe

pierce of proper~tyg that wInas lo~?sst ornearly~ lst for $E1.42 drainage

tax~i ce rtifoate.~8

He~ gretater benesfit eonrid e~aae to this~ arspei '.ae to~ abolisa thase

twor taaaxee. If ~thic~ t done, i.t. wi~ll onset of~i s e "the taxe is ah~bolished

ati the preosnt; &seeston ofg th Ltegslat~ure.

Mrls~ G~cadian Goel]an of SFarerglades, Flrirda, whoR~ i a. glrdat~e

of' Annap~olia ands one o her -z te st enginers in the Pt~ate of :'loride

61:d wh~o basB liv in the Beergiflad~es~ for thepat 30 yreaersl saR:s

that i'ron, ana enginee;rrin, standp~ioint th~re is no raaeasa thy he~i Clounty

ann;ffi~setnonr of each~ couNityT should noQt range~t~ ~the afS~LPre of~ their

seagieotie ounties.



SEaTORi ANDil 70i~ 18 ;REPdNhiATV aslking: them8 toi~ !:ELP RS : !I0035 Bi g3i.T





VIAU AIR MAlb

Fl~oritanr Robel,


Dearr Mr. Keflly

I receiveocd your~ te~legram yeTerdayPQ afternoon0 readingl as tol-
lowas
"PftiLEASE S~EN~D MiE BYE L~ETTER ANT INFPORMAIBPONB PHeAERTINI
TO GURl COUNTY ANJD DRAINAGQ E DIRTRICT IN EVENT I AM
ARKEI[D ONfl THEP PLOORQ NOW IT ArPPEC:TS~ US REGMARDB"

To" wIhi~Ch~ I replried this mozrrngl by wire r ~as l~owes
BRWELT~ DrAIMAGES AMMUNIg~TIOW AI~R RAILED 91OU iSPECIA
DErtLIVRT PLORIDAN BO~'TEL T'ODAX RZEGQARjD8*

I takeip plleapres in enclt~osing herewcith ajr knowler~dge o~f the
Dra~inage Distriort bill. (Fte~as Ibill 660) as it isr viewd by
earsu const~ituents in Collier County.
ItF will reqIreII 10 minutes to Mred the) e1tire metnsUorPIpt
eneglesed herewith.

I infer f~rom your+ teleges that the Bill Ibolishing~ the,
Dsrainage Disrtriort Board wil. somer up early next week in the~
House, and 4b~ Pproise suLPporters of thea BI1ll including
yourelf~, wilT be rr'lled. upon to exp~lan the provisrionsr of
the bill.

IfP uch inferease be eerreot, it would aplpear logilcarl Pbhat
heb 'leading BF)propenent of tihe ]Bifl migbt~ well confer uamong
thesmselves so as to psrevent lany sthati of statemelnts.

W~t~h this in mrind, If am enetlesing hemreith two~ additionally
sopies of my suggesrtions rand if it meet writh yourS entire
approval, I would r~suges tlaut you hrad one, oop to SenatorB
G~rahuan ad one ceopy gto Mr. Lykes so thatl theyf my stuqggest





IOI


rany changes they be~ieve a~dvrisbal rand, alse~, assist them
in connections witha preparing their proponelnts fotr the debate
on the floor.

Be far as Collier Couty~t is ooneerned, we are entirely agree*
able to leaving the martter in your able hads rand are conf~ident
it wil be handled pserfseely.

I amt sending at copy of the6 enolosed and of t~his letter to
Senator Fra~nklin so thart, if and when the Bill reaches the
Se~na~te, he will knowr the main poiater stressed by his eson-
stituents in Collier and Monroe Counties.

Permit; me to assurer you of our wrns appreciationa of the
mag~nificenrt manner in wrhich you haver handled Cotllier Count~y~a
interrests in thisr mratterr, as werll asl in all1 ot~he~r matttersr
afoosting the County whichl hrae same up at this session of
the Legislature.

If you desire any additional informaition or data, plarse afford
me the ha~ppiness of co~mamading me.

with kinesrt personal regaords o f he writer,


Very truly yours,

ABOARD OJF C3UNTYf COMM~I~SSIONER~S,
COLIIET? COURBf3Y



By;
D. Or Am. Copelrand,
Cha~iPrman.

Ct Senator Juames A. Pranklin,
The 4enate Chuaber,
Tallahiasse, Florida.





aYlil 8b4L 1949


00LAKER COUN'tYor~ AN SSGSDRAINAGEE DIZSSTRIO~.

Whens Coll~ier Courty was eyested in 1988~a, 18 Townshbips in ther
extreme~ Saatrnc portiona wrer femad tobe b in the Everglates
Drainage Disris ayyer~eriously sln N~~~P1S~ 93rbI11ae gral~lftlLttas to1
attempptingl toS makeg a: niO* malp pit thema t~hersp "That isl 4the
sOo Ple Oasnbll they are C ther beh, as no porIon~I of Golliter
County lies La the Everglades.
%BO WORK~ OFP ANYI,CRARACftE3B R WRi~Alj808VEhR RA$ STE 2000( DME~~ llf THE~
DISTRICTS IN COdWlLiER COURYEI.

~the nearestb Disrexiot work~ to Cotller County is the Misal Canal.
TEhis sanall fojrtunate~ly frbn agetrllie Co~auntyl has silte upand rtab
its Norrthelrno ;lrresee pposij.r~ te Sli~per sotyst is littler were
th~Lanr (B~a3P dieh I pt approahes ne~ret~ to, Collier Conarty 10 miles
fras the Nlaoi+rtest earner~ of the County~ and freea thei Sou\trhe+as
earnerI~E of the Conaty SI mroxre thn 80 rdensr away ** the average
distaneO froml Colbierr County~ bine agF moe han 90O mles.r~c
Itnrstead of benefibttiag Celile Sountylt theO MUIaII Canal has
rsetually crutsed grave damage to farao and tiarber lanrds in Corller
County by~ rerrason of the vast volonerc of water fo~Qrmerly broughtfn
t~ownx t~~ara Cla ke Cesebe, ~and the Northern~l~ Eve~r+Zgladesl whic
waterr everflaowedBb ~theans of the Oanal iateo the+ Tantamli TEbrail
enaarl whith~ d~rains water fCromt a point only 10 mIt2le West of
Mtiami an dumps it into Gellier Gowaty.~
Collier Coauty, ainees its f~o8uirmtion to1988l to 198013 whean the
D~ratange tistr~iot ~becme bankruXPt, paid its trainarg tuaxe 100j(
and setually ctontsr$aibte to then Distlriort in trhese 7 yearsr ise
excssr at $B8~08C000 And, since theO re~irrofinanin dU9Zirin the
Rotlland Adlminis~t~raio to date, Go3ller Corunty has paid to
additionr all of its Drainage taxes dut 14%$9 in the aOrnnst at
l$87,Q000. a gased botal of Iabout ONEQ QUAfffRTE~R MIILLION DSOLLERS **
PLOR ABROLUTELY N8~LOtRINGI
Wglhen ~the Irefbaning plranr wasbeing cosirrdelred, Cllist County
was not permitted to witBhdrw from the Distriets on sO~eont of
bandrts in the hrabds Of third~ part~iest But the Adminstarriato and
the RwP.0, agreed thatby as Colltier County sheald nevr have, been
in the DIstlriotQ, it ealsdd bEN plaJ~ced ia low seulne writh M~onroe
County.
Collier CounrtyJ ha irlfilled lis o~bligation exaetlyt 100jC every
year andw seeksu only to pay off its petrtorn of the debt sad beN
foreverr free~d from further burden.





.8.


A smokesoreesn has been thrown about the entire matter by9 those
whoI for selfish m~oditQives would defeat the presented bill which
aseks merely to eliminate Bkhe Evergloade Drainage Distriob
Board. The uninform~ed would be led to understand that this
bill will destroy the Drainage District and ruin its prosperous
farmers.

What are the6 feeatbr

This bill will not destroy -the Drainage Districhl It will
posiltierly help every farmer in the Disrtriotg by eliminating
the Distriot debt.

The Distri't: Board consistsr of 5 members eachftr apponted by
the Governor and, of thie 11 Counties in the Distriotl at least
8 havea no representation whutaever. Thisr bill definitely son-
t~inues the Drainage District EXACTLY AST PRFESCRISEDT BTf PREnE~NT
LAW, ececapti only in oan ie taprtant partionista -- namely the
abolishing of the present Board and placing the direectsio of
the District in the Commissioners of each of the Counfibties in
the Distriot, all of which Conaty Boards are elected by the
people in the Distriot.

Why~ do we desilre ~to abolish the Board?
The ranswe-r ia sliaple. It hasj betrayed its trust and abused
its powardr~r

In hs~as manner has~ this Board betrayed its truslt and abused its
powrsrr

The presertt law abates that only 5 fopmsI of taxes may be leviefd.
Fpirs1t, an sorenge8( tax to pay off the Disltriot debt, which tea
varies in amount scoording to the oocation of ~the l~ants tUaxd
and aoording to the benefits received by those lands from the
works oft the Distriot constructed by the Distriot many years
agCot and
Second, 1/83 mill ad~ vlalreaz taxjc for Iradmrinisration purposes) and

Third, a maintenance tax wrhich may be assessed ONOLY against
those lands ihich will be benefitted by sthe maintenance work.

This law is admirable and Ito extsremely~ nSicr and smleW~l in
application. it seeksa merelyal
Pirst, to pay off the D~istriot debt now down to about $3,500,00001





*S-~


Second, to provide for ample admlinistration of the DistriotsX and

Third, and finally~ ** ANTD BIGNIFICAN~TLY IMPORTANT ** provides
a simple means for constructing new work rad repairfing ald ones,
wrhereby OHLY THIOSE WH BENEFIT PAY,

It is signiflo~ant that, since the refunding wras completed during
the Ho~llandi admntra tioncr e~~r NOTr ONIE PENNRY has beetn levied for
maintenance.


Simply because the few wrho deriver benefit DQ NOT DEFIRE TO P~AY,
but, inrsted, WANTZ TO FORGE3 'PHE ENTIRE: D~IRTRICT TJO PAY POR WHfAT
'ENEFIPJTS THEMf A LONE.

This statement may appear so aLbsl~u~tely incredible as to be
unwtorthy of belief bty business men suctrh as compose this honorable
body) but it la absolutely true.
During same 8 tax yars, large etXcess funds have been toonsula1ted.
Hfow may this arccumul~ted surplus be legally seizerd from its
rightful owners and spent for the benefit of a fewq

Answersr The present Everglrade Drainage Distriot Board actually
advertised and sought to have this Legislature Qanot into law
r~several b1118 wrhicha would comipletely kill the inteant of the
present law.l
The first of these proposed bills sought to increase the tax
for administration purposes from 1/9 mill1 to 1 mil~l and to
provide that any surplus in the administration fund could be
used for maintearnce~ and construction purposes.

It required only one or two radio talks For the people of 'Coral
Ga~cbles, Miarnti and HZi.lesh to realias that 7809 of this tax woruld
come from their pookets. The reactior wass so loud and so im~n-
mediate that that proposed bill wasr withidrawn RIGHT NOWSt

'Phe second of these proposed tills wr~ould turn any exrcess in the
debt services fund not ourrently required into the admi~nistration
fund, which, in turn, mighf` be~used for maintenance and new
construction work throughout the Distrieta

So perfectly ruthless and con~t~rary to all buainess principles
was this second bill .and unb whubbubn wras raised ooneerning
it that it too whol quietly writhdrawn. Each of yaou has sought
loans at bank and same of y-ou mayp have borroweld from the R.P.C.
Every-body knows~ that no bank or the R.P.C. willT loan rlarg anma
unless the loan is properly secured and unless provision is made





*4-


for retiring the debt asl prresrf'bed.

In the erse of the Everlades Dzrainage Distriot, the R.P.C.
p~resaribed the exalst easreger tax to be levied in each some.
Ibut, contrary to pdast had Beenl expected, the refunding plan
proved so exce~llnt that land owners retuallyJ paid their drlain
age taxes better than the R*P.C. expected. On top of this,
subddely oil wIas iscoereds in Collier Conalty elose to thea
Western baunda~ry of the Distriot, andt a st~amped~e to pyer taxe
on hundreds of thousadns of asore ~lesed foer) oil purporses wih
consequen~t t~raneadorws inerease in the value of llands t the
Drainagea Distriota.
All1 this resulted in the~ neoumurlation in the debt aservic
funds fri in exessr of requiremenats for current paymernts.
Thbi sexesas, rseordingl to the Drainarge Distriiot's awa rudit,
nOR AMOUNTiS TO MOREg TRAN GERP MITLLION DOLLAlRS. You~ may new
begin to see whky this B~oarda has attemrpted to betray its trush
and has actually sought the passage of a bill to legalise
wrhat is little less than theft of debt se~rvice money paid by
hard wo~rking taxpayers in order that it mary consatrac~ct anEd ma~in-
tctai works wIhich will Benefit only~j a favtore~d fewtla Is et this
alone suffiolent reason to abolish this Boardt

Thisr is the reason outraged talxpalyers dermnd that an endi be
put to anoh fZlagatB violations of the law, and1 th~at thn besnt
be aboliashe and ithe uties plaedQ in the hands of competentw
Bearrds of County Comadsnrioners, the menbers of wAhich are always
under the eyes and aese of the taxpraersr wrh o elet the~sl

(Neter In the event the setual figu~cres re desredsca the follow*1
ing to taken~ f'rom the audit of the Drinagel Board as JPressnted
to Senator Franklin, recently.

"QC~ushionn Pund $500,000.00
Debt SePrvic cas8 h in tc Banks 883,9980 $1,888,~995.510
Lesarl
BondsQ stalled Apr* 1, 1947r #&40,000,00
Premaita of 5 17,8000.0
Premaiuma anormal noCtarkities 76,000.00
itoup on No. 5 9 18 .5 delI.d 1

Phs fEatimated CorllOen ion taL: Mar 100,000.


Ttotl Cash Position Dekbt 9

$988,874.05")





*S.


Other bills proposed by the Draingae Board provided for the
establishment of conservation of water and so11 areas, can-
ocelled all bases on lands Jin anoh areas belonging to tbe,
Board, per~aftebd the Board to de ANYTHING it considered proper
la connection writh sucrh areas, emzpowrerd the Board to convey
lands in the Distriot to the UJnited "tates, created water con-
trol areas and provided for the conveyanes g~ratis of vast areas
to one or maore of the XKYZ agenaoes of the Federal Gove~ranent.

In inn~ocnt diagnise, these proposed acts would alienate and
remnove fromn the ta1x rolls more than 4600,000 sores of land for
water conservpation and Pederal purposes Atl~ rOf COST TO) ANYONE:
BUTT TH~E T3AXVPAYESRS OFI THE DIFTRICTP One of these benefaiciries
would be a MILLION DOLLARl WATER COMrPANY IN MIAMIr.

This is a DRAINAGE Districtr is there any rhyre or reason to
the thought that this tax-ridden Distro2t should give that
water company or ANYBODY TWO1 MiILIGNV DOLLARSt WiORTHl OF PR~OPERTY
FoR ABsOLUTElLY NOTHlINGP

Or the Federal Gover~anmnt8

S'es not the 'Itate just given the Unibted States 800,000 sores
of State lands and TWOQ ANDf ONE-IIALP MILLION DOLLARS for a
National Park?

Looak again at one ofe those a'tta proposed by' the Dist.2criefoa oard.
Inconspiouously, it ia provided that any land owned by indi-
viduals la one of the proposed water conservation aresr --
these mpount to about 70,000 sores in the proposed Broward-
Dade conservation area -- say be exchanged for other lands of
the Distriot outside this area.

Imagine, if you wrill, whaLt misuse of power andf abuse of trust
there would be if such a bll became a lawl

The Board admnits it now has ONEI MIXFLLION DDLLARS in the Debt
Service Pund in exgess of current req~uirements. Let the Board
sell so~mef 400,000 sores at only $5j.00 an more -- samxe lands
in Collier County tiouc~higi the proposed Broward-Dade conserVa-)
Ston area are assessed at $10.00 per aCre, and the Dgpartment
of education has refused to consider an offer of (10.00 an
acre in simil~ear lands -- and the entire indebtedness of the
District, anounting to $3,500,000, can he paid off in about

Collier County has fought the battle of thei Disatriottsr taX1
payers ever sinea the County was established nearly f25 years algor





*S.~


Collier County has paid its taxes as levied -- totaling since
1928 ONPE QUTIARTER OF~ A NIL~ION DOLLAR~I cllters Country has nevra
seasedQ~ fto pFllrotests lButCofllie Countyg has ifinally arrive8 at
the croncluaton ~hat there is oine and ONBLY OtaE wa1 to0 putl ~An Iend
to such abuse of power and trust -- and that is TO ABOLISH THE~f
BOARD OPF 00MR~X~ISSIGRS OF EVERGLADER DRAINPAGE DI)PRTerIT

House B~ill 880g wrill de just that sad ONLY WRAT.

I ho~~aTpe ~ yo illutc vte fr the prassae of Bousei Bill 840.










$YKESE BRO;E~gTIBH~:ERS CO~~~PRPORA
RANCHERS 9 PACKERS OF BEEF &u PORK PRODUCTS BP
Cable Address "Lykes"--P. O. Box 2879
J. W. LYKES
Vice-President TAM~PA, PLORIIDA

July
19th
1947









Mdr. Ernest R. Graham,
Graham' s Dairy,
Hialesh, Florida

Dear Ernest:

Glad to know~ that you have returned and to
receive the clipping concerning the supposedly extra-
ordinarily good financial condition of the Everglades
Drainage Board. I do not see how this can be accom-
plished, and think the quicker wle hold our next meeting
the better. I talked with my attorneys yesterday and
told them to endeavor to arrange a meeting the first
part of August as I should like to leave here for a
short vacation on the 6th or 7th. 1Will keep you posted,
and in the meantime I should like to hear from you.

Let me know of any political developments.
I understand Gautier is going to run for the Senate and
certainly wPant to help all I can so keep me advised re-
garding this as wrell as in Brow~ard and Palm Beach counties.

Hope to see you soon.






J. 1W. Lykes





retoSO a CABO*
mooown*oes 30 es3 aCrIOotD BULtomo C*L)tr ADDRLss
ena~so asme..ur. UDCA
*****nUL can***a MIM2. FLORIDA


July 21, 1947


Honorable Preston B. Bird
County Commissioner
Tenth Floor, Court Hloues
Minni !2, Florida
Dear Mr. Bird:

Re: Senate Bill 972 (19t7 Plorida Legislature)

This will confira our teblebphons e outresation of today.

This bill was drawn, as far as I hnow, by the Attorney
for Everglades Drainage Dstrifot. If did not draw it nor did I
collaborate in its preparation. .1 I id not. see the bill until
about the time of its presentation for introdne~tion :in the Senate.

The bill included some features which wrer inc~rorpoated
in mother bills introduced in the L e lraturg through the efforts
of Evergladse Drainage Distriot, moFhbother: bills were withdrawn.
It has soa* features vbish I believed at tha t.imeI and still be-
lieve, are probably objectionable to the Board -t County Commie-
sioners of Date County. However, stnooe t was noteintroduced
until June ), 19t7 and the Lege lature was .bta .to ad~ojou and
did adjourn about noon, June 6, 19'7, there was not sufficieht
time to take up this bill with the Board. .
The~ bill contains, in spite of some of Ats obfection-
able features, one feature which le, and liiterstand at all times
has been, high~ly de~ired by the Board of County Commitssioners;
that is, it provides for the setting up of a ater conservation
area and permits co-operation among the Truestes of the Internal
Improvement Fund, Dade County, and the Evergladms Drainage Die-
triot for such purpose. As far as I know, it was the only bill
wrhich would provide for ruch co-operation and the setting up of
merh weter Conasrvation area by Evergladse Drainage District that
had. any possibility of p~asgsag Conesquently, in order to accom-
plish. the desired purpose, it was paessd. I understand that an
idenrtlcal bill, except for the description of the conservation
arsea, was passedb Sor Stoward County.
You understand, of coursel, that Section 14 of the bill
requires an election to be held in Date County to determine whether








Honorable Preston B. Bird Page 2 7-21-47


or not the sameL shall~ become effective. This election is re-
quired to be held within six montths after the bill became a law.

Very truly yourrs,





PEC /bgh














SUMMARY REPORT

EVERG;LADES DRAINAGE DISTRICT

~July, 1947




GENERAiL SUMMA~TRY



Water levels in General were higher than at any time in the past
decade. All of the lands not in use and muich of the farmlands with-
in the peait and muck area were inundatedte Overland flow' south
across the open 'Glades continued in considerable volume. The ar-
terial canals discharged water at full capacity in an effort to re-
duce flood levels. These canals operated to a greater degree of
efficiency than during redent years due to the hyacinth removal
program.

As this was~not thesaeason for truck cropping, such losses as
occurred were confined principally to livestock and perennial crop
interests. However, continued rains resulting in prolonged flooding
may seriously delay fall planting of vegetable crops. This is ea-
pecially true where dikes have broken and farm lands flooded.

The unusually heavy runoff in the tidal sections of canals
e~mp~tying into the ocean has forced salt water far downstream and the
threat of contamination of the fresh water supplies for the time
being is negligible.
DETAILED S'TESTAR~Y

RAINFALL AND EVAPORATION

Rainfall was well above average at most points in the Evrer-
glades during July. No unusual rainfall occurred during the month,
the rainfall being in the form of local showers., M~iost of the rain
fell between July 7 and July 27. At several points the rainfall
for the first seven months of the year approached the annual aver-
age total. Rainfalll totals for-the month of July at various sta-
tions were:





MIDDLE AND LOWNER GLACDES

NNo~eR Ganal at County Line
Miami Canal at Broken Dam
Tamiami Canal at D~ae-Broward
Levee
Tamiami Canal at 40-Mile Bend


_


__~_


___~


UPPER GLADES


Moore Havens HGS. #1
Everglades Exp,Sta.
Shawano Plantation
Chosen, HGS. #4
Canal Point, HGS. #5
N.N.RCanal south
of Okeelanta


'.6,09 inches
14022 inches
14e99 inches
12,55 in:ches
10c%3 inshes
(N;o report)


U.SSugar Corp:
Eastern Division 15.10 in.
Western Division 10.77 in.
Port Mayaca 8,02 in.


7,35 inches
7,93 inches

10,42 inches
12.56 inches


COASTAL AREA


Loxahathee
Hypol3.uxo
Water Plant Hialeah
Miami~ U.S. Weather Bureau
Homestead


14.71
11.25
9.34
73r80
12.32


inches
inches
inches
inchnts
inches


Monthly averages for July and accumulated excesses or deficieln-
cies in rainfall during the current year at representative points are
as follows


ACCUM~ULATED EXaCESS (F)
0:R DEFICIENCY (;)
SINCE JANUARY 1, 1947


JTU;Y
STATION NORMAL


Everglades Exp.Sta.
Hyp oluxo
Miami
Mdoore Haven


6a90 inches
5.13 inches
5,60 inches
6.67 inches


f21 96 ice
+26,66 inches
s 1.1t2 inchhes
$ 7.91 inches


Open pan evaporation at the fo;ur stations reporting was:


Everglades Experiment Station
L~ozahatchee
Hialeah (Water Plant)
Tamiami Canal a~t 40-M~ile Bend


5,11 inches
4,98 inches
5,90 inches
4.98 inches


Open pan evaporation at the four stations averaged 92$ of that
in June.





STAGES AND DISCHA~RGES


Note: All elevations and cabnal stages refer to
TUiN3- SEIA LEVEL, U.S.C. &c G,s. datum plane. (Add
1.44 feet to obtain elevation with reference to
Lake Okeechobee datum). All discharge figures
indicate cubic feet per second (ofs.). 1 ofs.
flowing for 1 day amounts to over 646,000 Gallons,
the equivalent of about 24 acre-inches, or 2 acre-
feet.

Upper Kissimm~ee River Basin Lakes Stages in key upper lakes showed
gains up to 1.5 feet.

Kissimmee Rive~r At the gag~ing station west of Okeechobee the dis-
charge was 5,520 ofa. to the 5th; decreased to ~
4,490 the 14th, increased to 6,800 the 23th, was 6,500 at the end,
and amounted to about 330,000 acre-feet, which was 198 percent of
the June discharge and 428 percent of -the 22-year normal for the
month of July.

Lake Okeechobee The mean daily weighted stage was about 15.2 feet
to the 14t~h, rose to 15.7 at the end and averaged
15.44 (16.88 L.O.D.) which was 1.22 higher than in July, 1946.
Hydrological Summary:
Average daily losses -
Evaporation 2,400
Outflow 8,230 10,630

Average daily gains -
Precipitation 5,210
Inflow 11,190 16',400
Net gaily gain in ofa,5,7

Caloosahatchee Canal At the southeast side of the Mloore Haveni
control and look the stage was a;boj'Eu-t 12.~5.
feet to the 17th, rose to 13.5 the 22nd, jumped to 15.1 the 23rd,
declined to 13.9 the 24th and was 13.2 thereafter.
Discharge increased unevenly from about 2,640 ofs. the 1st to
about 3,930 at the end and amounted to about 200,000 acre-feet.

St. Lucie Canal Ait the west side of the control and look west of
Stuart the stage was 8.6 feet to the 4th, varied
between 8.5 and 10.9 to the 11th, was 8.6 to the 17th, declined to 4.5
the 23rd and was about 4.6 to the end.
Discharge increased unevenly from about 3,720 ofs. the 1st to
5,380 at the end and amounted to about 300,000 acre-feet.





West Palm'Be'ach Canal At the southeast; side of the Canal Point con-
trol and lock the stage rose from 1~i5.2 feetec
to 15.8 the 31st.
Discharge, wihich'was all ijnto'the Lake, increased unevenly from
560 ofs. the 1st to 1,290 the 21st, varied between 1,080 and 1,230
to the end and amounted to about 59,000 acre-feet.

27hAt Big Mound Canal the stage rose from 15.7 the 2nd to 17.2 the

At 90-Mile Bend the stage rose from 14.5 feet the 2nd to 16.5
the 20th and declined to 15.8 at the end.

At, the south side of the Cross Canal control the stage rose from
14.,7 the 2nd to 16.3 the 19th a~nd declined unevenly to 16.0 at the
end.

At the West Palm Beach control and look the stage rose unevenly
from about 6.2~-nafeetthe1s to 7.9 the 18ths and declined unevenly to
5.9 at the end.
Discharge varied between 2,300 and 2*,570 ofs. to the 7th, in-
oreased to 3s580 the 20t~h, decreased to 2,830 at the end and amounted
to about 180,000 wore-feet.

Hillaboro Canal At the IBe~lle Glade aging station the stage rose un-
evenly frkom ~14.8 -feet the~ 1st to 15.7 at the end.
Discharge varied between 159 ofs. southeast and 175 ofs. north-
west with no significant trend and amounted to about 470 acre-feet
northwest.

At Shawano the stage rose unevenly from 14.6 feet the let to
15-.5 th 332;-e 26tlh aand declined to 15,3 at thze end.

At the control and look near Deerfield Beach the stage was about
768 feet to the 4th, was 6.6 to the 15th, anii:''~;unid re between 5.2 and
6.4 to the end with no significant trend, the variations being
caused by moving hyacinth jams through the control.
Discharge was 1,740 ofs. the 1st,'decreased to a'~bout 1,280 the'
6th, increased to about 1,760 the 20th, was 1,440 at the end, and
amounted to about; 94,000 acre-feet.

North New River Canal At the south side of the South Bay control
and look the stage rose from 14.0 feet the
1st to 15.3 at the end.
Discharge, which was all south, varied between 18 and 118 ofs,
with no significant; trend and amountedd to about 2,~600 acre-feet.


-4-~





At the north side of the 26-Mile Bend control the stage ranged
between 10.0 and 10.6 feet for the entire month and was 10.5 at the
end.
Discharge through the main control, was about 960 ofs. the 1st,
declined to 890 the 10th, rose to 1300 by the 14th, was 1450 by the
29th, declined to 1300 at the end and amounted to about 79,300 acre-
feet.
Discharge through th~e east spillway ranged between 5 and 12 ofs.-
leaka" e and amounted to about 446 acre-feet.
Discharge through the west spillway ranged between 45 and 58 ofs.
and amounted to about 3200 acre-feeto

At the Hol~loway control free flow existed through the main con-
trol during the entire month, Head on the lateral control ranged be-
tween 1.4 and 3.1 feet and averaged about 148, with heavy flow south.

At the control and look west of*Fort Lauderdale the stage rose
from 4.9 feet the 1st to 5,9 the 2nd, -declirned to 5.3 by the 9th,
rose to 5.9 by the 18th and ranged between 6.9 and 5,9 to the end.
Discharge rose from about 1480 ofs. the 1st to 2100 by the 17ths
was 2440 the 28thy, fell to around 2200 at the end and amounted to
about 124,000 acre-feet.

South New River C~anal. At the Hig~hway_ 25 observation station the
stage rose steadily from 7.9 feet the'1st to
9,4 at the end, which was around 2o2 feet higher than July 31, 1946,
and 2.8 feet higher than July 31s 1945.
The north borrow pit stage rose steadily from 8.0 feet the 1st
to 9.5 at the end.
The south borrow pit stage rose steadily from 6.5 feet the let
to 8.1 at the end.

Miami Canal At the south side of thE! Lake Harbor control the stage
rose from 15.1 feet the 1srt ~to-15.6 at the end.

At County Line Dam the upstream stage rose steadily from around
7.7 feet to 8.5 at the end. Head on the dam averaged about 1.7 feet.
The five main control gates were closed the entire month with varying
small outflow through the culvert south.

At Broken Dam the stage rose from 5.5 feet the 1st to 6.1 by thE
17th, wa~'s -6.4 aj~~b;y the' 21st and rose to 6.6 at the end,

At Pennsuco the stage rose steadily from 4.1 feet the 1st to 4,9
by the 1qt~h, a;-~ nd5 rose to 5.5 at the end.

At N.W.~J 36th Street, Miami, the temporary steel piling dam was
breached for the entire month, ~with a large section completely re-
mIovted.
Discharge was 1380 the 14th, 1430 the 18th, and 1574 the 25th.


-5-





HENDERSON, FRANKLIN, STARNES &( HOLT
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW

FORT MYERS. FLORIDA
OBRA.HENDERSON,JR
FINIS E. STARNES

Aug3ust 19, 1947



Mr. Sam Collier
Everglates, Florida

Re: Everglades Drainage Distriot

Dear Mr.I Collier:

Oa August 1'tih, wre filed Bill of Comaplaint in the
Circuit Court of Palla Beach CountyJ, against the Eiverr-
gld4ea Drainage Distriote A~ copyr of our Bill is en-
cl'osed to you herewcrith.

This suit attrcrks only ~the 19)47 qAt, which atrtempts
to authoriser the Board of Comm~issionersl of the Distr'iot~
to convegy lands in PeJal Beach County to the United States
for conservation~~purPOses., Other actsr erer pasrsed in
1947 to set up conervrrationl distriotsr in Dade and Broward.
Counties, but these cats are subject to approval by vote
of the people, and elections have not yet been held.

We expect to push thisr suit as fast as porssib~le,
and will keep you advised of developments.

Yours very~ truly,~

H~kEIDERSON,RRANKLIN, STARNES &e HOLiT




ByJ

/Jamres A. Pranklin

JAlia bb
ence
cos M~rr. Ernes R. Gr
Okeechobee Road
Rialesh, Florida





HENDERSON, FRANKgLI, STARNES & HOLT

ROsE^RT.A HENDER1SONIJR' OR WBTEBBymmB
PARKE HOLTOctober 3, 1947



Mr. Ernest W. Graham
Okeechobee Avenue
HialePs Florida

Re: ;Lykes Brotheras et als. vs. Board of Commissioners
Everglades Drainage District
Dear Mr. Graham:

On August 19 NE. Franklin sent you a copy of the Bill of
Complaint filed in Palm Beach County against the Everglades Drainage
District seeking to restrain conveyance by the District of lands
owPned by the District to the Federal Government.

le asked the Commitssioners of the District if they would
agree to withhold any conveyances or attempted conveyances, until
this litigation could be settled on its merits.

After same delay, due attorney for the District advised
us on September 5 that the Board of Commissioners declined to agree
to withhold conveyance of said lands, and had instructed him to
proceed to convey the lands to the Federal Government. Thereupon
we made application to Circuit Judge Chillingwvorth. of West Palm
Beach for a Temporary Injunction, and the writer in company with
Mr. John Allison of the firm of MacFarlane, Ferguson, Allison and
K~elly of Tampa, attorneys for Lykes Brothers, journeyed to West
Palm Beach on Monday, September 29, for the hearing on our
application for a Temporary Injunction. After the hearing had
gotten under ways Mr* Manly Caldwell, one of' the attorneys far the
District agreed after some discussions that no conveyance would be
made until this matter could be settled upon its merits, or
before any conveyances were made that the Plaintiffe.in this
litigation would be given ample and reasonable hattice to enable us
to then apply again to the Court for a Temporary Injugoiption. Thi s
agreement on the part of the attorney for the District was put into
the form of a Court Order by Judge Chillingworrth, and recorded in
the file. This eliminated the necessity of our applying for a
Tanporary Restraining Order anid it was quite agreeable with us
because if a Tanporary Restraining Order or Injunction had been
entered the %laintiffs would have had to post bond.





Mr. Ernest WI. Grahan Yage 2 October 3,1947
Re: Lykes Brothers, et als. vs. Board
of Commissioners Everglades Drainage District

The District has to file further Motions or defensive
pleadings on next Rule Day, which is Uctober 6, and we anticipate
that; in due course thereafter this matter will again come up before
Judge Chillingwrorth to determine the constitutionality of the
Special 1947 Act involved.

In making a study of the applicable law in this case,
our position would be greatly strengthened if the Ylaintiffas or
some of them, owned a bond or bonds in the District, because we
could make the additional argument that transfer of these lands to
the FederaL Government without compensation would be illegally
transferring assets of: the District earmarked for t.9heoretirement
of the bonds. It is advisable therefore, that the Plaintiffe, or
some of them, acquire a bond or bonds of the Districts and wpe would
appreciate your endeavoring to do so, or authorize us lu> do so.
A single bond would enable us to make this additional attack on the
unconatitutionality of this Act in this case.

Also, we need to know the amount of taxes paid byb you
on your lands in the Everglades Drainage District during each of
the last two or three years.

Wfe also need to ascertain approximate estimates of value
of the lands located in Palm Beach County owned by the District
whi ch the Speci al Ac t woulId a uthor ise-e conzve ed to the Federal
Government. These lands are located, according to our information,
in the Southeasterly part of Palm Beach C county, and it is our surmise
that for the most part they are swamp lands of small value, although
I do not have personal knowledge as to these lands. If you have any
information as to said value of said lands, please advise us.

We willkeep you advised.

Very-traYgn m ours, -

PB: ont i

P.S. We understand that in addition to the 4,450 acres, approximately,
of lands in that District owned by you individually that you also
own lands in the name or names of one or more of your corporations.
If so, please give us tba names of these corporations, acreage owned,
taxes paid during recent years, etc.





Detbekr '11, 1947


Mr. Paslr eHelt
Reonderson, Frantklin, 86amr ne & Belt
Co~llir B3uilding
Fort Myers, Fslorida

Dear Mbr.Betst

Parden as l'or not answring your letter of Ocofber 5S sooner, but we
have been in anoh a mess here sinee the stema of September 17 we have
hardly had time to do anything *ooapt repair damage nd prepare for the
future.

In reference to Everglades bense, we have no bonds at the present
tOime.) We turned then in for taxtes nd I washed in the balanoe lat yeror
As seas as I have the opportunity I shall try to piek up one or more
bends around here it it is possible.

P1le aselt me know Sust how seen you have to have the information
regarding our taxes and the es~theaute an the value of the lands in Pabaa
Beneh Geunn~c ye Asaon as possibleo I shall go to Pain Beadd and try to
geot an etiansb la them.i I wri-ll also send you a list of additioanal
senage o ned by serperations and othiers and centrollebd by myself.
I shall be unable to get this infenrnt~ion for you, however, until this
present stern passes and we get ael*4od up he~re. If the water nraise
another atx inches, we~ will have to move out entiresly.

Sincerely yours,




Ernest R. Graham


ER~lb