The Rural Boundary was established by voters in 2004 to protect the natural lands and areas that make Seminole County “Floridas Natural Choice”.
The History and Importance of the Rural Boundary
The Court granted in part and denied in part Seminole County’s Motion to Dismiss. In order to support their allegations of racial discrimination, River Cross put forth statistics which showed that the population of minorities is different within and outside the Rural Boundary. However, the Court agreed with Seminole County that River Cross was required to put forth a causal connection between the Rural Boundary and/or the decision regarding River Cross and the population statistics, and that River Cross did not do so. River Cross does have an opportunity to amend their pleading to fix this.However, the Court found that River Cross did sufficiently plead that the Rural Boundary and the decision on River Cross had a segregate effect on the community. This was not a finding that the Boundary or decision do in fact have the effect, only that it was sufficiently plead. River Cross’ action goes forward under this theory. The County will in response need to show that the Rural Boundary and the decision regarding River Cross were necessary in order to achieve a substantial and legitimate interest, and that those interests were not motivated by discrimination. If the County does so, River Cross will then try to respond by showing that the County’s interest can be achieved through a practice which has a less discriminatory effect.
In summary, the lawsuit goes on and continues to be a threat to the Rural Boundary and to our effort to keep parts of Seminole County natural.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & DONATE: