FROM: Kay Gorham, Chairperson, Spring lake Improvement District

Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Peter Estrada has ruled in favor of Spring Lake in its defense of a lawsuit filed by the Sebring Airport. The lawsuit originated because the Airport Executive Director, Attorney, and Board of Directors did not feel they needed to contribute to the operation and maintenance of the stormwater system they were using. Their position meant that over the years our residents were underwriting the costs that the Airport should be paying.

The Airport has the right to appeal this decision, but it is clear the District has the right to charge the Airport fees for discharging their stormwater into the Spring Lake drainage system.

The full decision issued by the court is attached and is also available on the District website at www.springlakefl.com . When you go to the site click on Lawsuit Update in the header.

It is most unfortunate that the Airport took the position they did instead of acknowledging their responsibility, paying their fair share, and be good neighbors. It has cost the District over $100,000 defending itself against this multi-million-dollar entity. In the end, Justice prevailed!!