Here's what happened when a bald eagle's nest in Pasco County went missing

[Zorro]

The resulting attention from inspectors prompted one lawmaker to propose slashing local wetland and water protection laws.

Neighbors and bird watchers had admired the bald eagle nest in a towering pine tree on Lake Jovita for nearly two decades. Each year brought new life when a clutch of fluffy chicks would emerge from the sticks.

So when the heavy construction machinery moved in after the property changed hands in 2021, concerned residents sounded the alarm with county and state officials. County inspectors, responding to complaints, found native trees slashed without permits and plans to build over protected wetlands with a 10-foot wide concrete driveway, records show.

The eagles nest, a beloved landmark for the Dade City community, mysteriously disappeared.

The property’s owner is the nephew of both state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, and Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, records show. Zachary Maggard has received no fines and no citations.

Now, a bill is being proposed by Rep. Maggard after the county raised red flags on his nephew’s property. If it’s successful, any future county control over wetlands and pollution laws would be preempted by the state.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2023/04/03/heres-what-happened-when-bald-eagles-nest-pasco-county-went-missing/

Nah, no favoritism here...