TALLAHASSEE—Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” has been discovered, and interest in developing the Florida Panhandle, particularly its coastal areas, has increased in recent years. While there is support for many of the proposed projects that are in the works, there also is apprehension that development, if not managed properly, may have unintended consequences that will undermine the quality of life on the Panhandle and change the landscape forever. 

On April 7, the Florida State University College of Law and the Environmental & Land Use Section of The Florida Bar will provide a neutral forum that will help educate the public about the policy and legal issues associated with the different visions for the development of the Panhandle. The forum will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. in the D’Alemberte Rotunda. A reception will follow. 

Among the panelists who will be at the law school to discuss the issues are:

• Pat Blackshear, director, Okaloosa County Growth Management Department
• Janet Bowman, legal director, 1000 Friends of Florida
• Billy Buzzett, director, Strategic Planning for The St. Joe Company
• Shaw Stiller, assistant general counsel, State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs

Tom Pelham, a partner in the law firm of Fowler White Boggs and a former secretary of community affairs, who practices in the area of environmental, land use and growth management, will be a commenter at the forum. David Markell, the law school’s Steven M. Goldstein Professor, will act as moderator. 

Florida Bar C.L.E. credit is pending. 

To reserve a seat at this event, please contact Stephanie Williams, associate dean for administration, at 644-3301, or swilliam@law.fsu.edu. Reservations are requested by April 1. For more information, please click here.