Decision 2008: Amendment Six
Monday, October 20, 2008
By: David Pitman

October 20, 2008 -- Our look at Florida's six proposed constitutional amendments continues with a look at Amendment Six. The measure offers a big tax break for waterfront businesses like marinas and boatyards. It would change the way property taxes are calculated for those businesses, and without it, some say, Florida could lose its iconic boating industry. The idea for the amendment originated in Palm Beach County. From WXEL in West Palm, Rick Stone reports.

 Click here to listen to Rick Stone's report.

And for a local perspective on what’s at stake with Amendment Six, we called up Bill Armel, the owner of Gerry’s Marina in New Smyrna Beach.  The marina is one of a dwindling number of boat dealerships in Volusia County that provide access to the Intercoastal Waterway.  90.7’s David Pitman started off by asking Armel how his livelihood has been affected by the current policy to tax the land that marinas sit on for their “highest and best” use.

 Click here to listen to interview with Bill Armel.