The second and final public hearing was held at the Nov. 7, 2017 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting regarding the repealment of an earlier ordinance (2016-05) which allowed for county control of medical marijuana growing and dispensing facilities. New legislation by the state preempts counties and municipalities from regulating the facilities.
Duane Chichester approached the board, representing the Chamber of Commerce. Chichester reminded the board that there are several cities and counties in the state that have temporarily or permanently banned medical marijuana dispensaries. “They have done this because they believe in Home Rule, and want to see what happens when this new law rolls out, including the results of the 2018 Florida Legislative session.”
He quoted Commissioner Steve Champion from the Oct. 24, 2017 meeting, answering, “I believe we have a misunderstanding. The Chamber is not opposed to medical marijuana.” Chichester said the main point is that “The Chamber has the responsibility and the right to address the issue that can affect the overall business climate. We have the right to share our opinion… This is not about politics, it is about helping you come to the best decision, even if you don’t agree with us. Please respect the Chamber’s right to an opinion, as we support and respect you in the difficult decisions you make.”
Commissioner Champion disagreed with Chichester, and said “I think it is politics,” and went on to say that he would not be renewing his membership with The Chamber as a business owner. “(The Chamber) should be involved in business, and this is not about business, this is about what the people voted for.”
Commissioner John Allocco brought up the opioid crisis as an example of what not only the county, but what the state won’t tolerate going forward, “Now that we have gone through the opioid epidemic, our legislators, law enforcement and our community in general is going to be more sensitive to abuses.”
Chairman Wayne Dukes commended the board’s direction, “Reducing the impact of government on our citizens.” Dukes also added that if at any time, problems are noticed at the local level, then the board can question the state at any time and ask for changes.
The motion carried 5-0, effectively repealing the local ordinance 2016-05.