Testimonials

"A typical omission in social histories is the consequences of reforms - did they solve the problems which led to their adoption?  Lessons Learned? The History of Planning in Florida is not typical.  From the perspective of active participants and scholars, Earl Starnes and Dick RuBino analyze the successes and shortfalls of the efforts to plan and act in a concerted way to achieve a proper balance between man and nature and to ensure that quantity will not destroy quality in our state.  'Lessons Learned' is a significant contribution to our understanding of the politics and economics of land and water use planning in Florida."

D. Robert (Bob) Graham, U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005 and Governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987.

"Through careful research and personal experience, the authors have written a history of the relationship of planning to Florida's growth.  It is a story of public and private planning endeavors toward long-term gains.  Although there have been many positive results, the authors illustrate how the effectiveness of actions has been eroded by a historically prevailing attitutde of growth at any cost."

Reuben O’D. Askew, Governor of Florida from 1972 to 1979.

"This book, by two growth management veterans, is an excellent commentary on the ups and downs of attempting to manage Florida's explosive growth.  This comprehensive chronicle bears witness to the dauting challenges so many planners have labored to overcome." 

Charles Pattison, FAICP, President and Executive Director, 1000 Friends of Florida.

"Lessons Learned? should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the difference between the theory and the practice underlying America's continuing challenge to balance growth and protection of the environment, and to pursue the public interest while protecting private property rights.  The authors accomplish this feat by laying out the underlying history, explaining the legal framework, and pointing out missed opportunities, such as funding needed infrastructure.  The challenge for future leaders is can they learn from the failures and successes of Florida's long history of involvment in planning?"

James F. Murley, Director, Catanese Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions, Florida Atlantic University and former secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs