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Safari Wild's Penalty Proposed

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By BAIRD HELGESON

bhelgeson@tampatrib.com

Published: December 4, 2008

TAMPA - Lowry Park Zoo's chief executive officer, Lex Salisbury, and his business partner face more than $46,000 in fines from water managers for unauthorized development of a planned exotic-animal park in Polk County.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District contends that Safari Wild's owners didn't get the necessary permits before constructing buildings, installing fences and digging ponds on the property in the Green Swamp.

"We are going to work with the water management district to resolve these issues," said Stephen Wehrmann, the other owner. "We are making a good-faith effort to resolve these issues and believe that they will be resolved satisfactorily in the end."

The district, known as Swiftmud, on Wednesday levied a proposed fine of $46,036 for the 13 violations. The work included about 5.2 acres of land changes made without permits designed to protect wetlands, control stormwater runoff and reduce flooding.

The 870-square-mile Green Swamp is the source of the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee and Peace rivers and is critical to the Tampa Bay area's drinking water supply.

The owners can challenge any part of the fine before it becomes final, likely in a few months, said Robyn Felix, a Swiftmud spokeswoman.

This is the latest government setback for the project. The Polk County planning office issued a stop-work order in May after finding buildings were more substantial than the animal barns permitted. The Florida Department of Community Affairs filed a notice of violation after learning of the extent of the development on the Green Swamp, which is designated for special environmental protection.

Wehrmann said the owners are working to resolve those issues, as well.

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at (813) 259-7668.

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