Circuit Judge Heather Beato DENIED the Airport's request to file an amended complaint against Spring Lake in another effort by the Airport to avoid paying their fair share for using the District's stormwater system. Our local newspaper, the Highlands News Sun, consistently avoids any coverage or opinion about this case, so we will use e-mail blasts to keep our residents informed.

In February of this year Judge Peter Estrada issued a comprehensive 24 page decision ruling in favor of Spring Lake in a Summary Judgement against the Airport. For years the Airport has refused to provide any type of compensation to Spring Lake for the use of the stormwater system. Our residents are underwriting the Airport's share of the expenses to operate the system; and that is just wrong! A company that has income approaching nine million dollars can't afford $77,000 per year for the District to take stormwater from over 700 acres.

After losing the Summary Judgement, instead of doing the right and honorable action, the Airport filed a motion with the court asking to file an amended complaint. In other words, "we lost the summary judgement but we want to file a different way to see if we can win." 

BOTH THE SUMMARY JUDGEMENT AND THE DENIED AMENDMENT CAN BE VIEWED ON THE DISTRICT'S WEB SITE AT www.springlakefl.com. THERE IS A TAB ON THE TOP OF THE HOME PAGE.

We hope that all residents will take the time to read how arrogant and entitled the Airport Board is when it comes to paying their fair share. The annual assessment would decrease for each resident if the Airport did the right thing. The District Board will be having an Executive session in the near future to outline our next steps.

Share your thoughts and opinions by replying to this blast, write Letters To The Editior, go on Facebook, NextDoor, X, Twitter, and let others know how Corporate arrogance and entitlement are right in their back yard! It's time Spring Lake residents let the Airport know this is no longer a free lunch.