18-002348 Michael Orrantia vs. Gregory Henderson And Department Of Transportation
 Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.


View Dockets  
Summary: There was insufficient proof to demonstrate that Gregory Henderson is entitled to a private Airport Site Approval Order.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8MICHAEL ORRANTIA,

10Petitioner,

11vs. Case No. 18 - 2348

17GREGORY HENDERSON AND DEPARTMENT

21OF TRANSPORTATION,

23Respondents.

24_______________________________/

25RECOMMENDED ORDER

27Pursuant t o notice, a disputed - fact hearing in this cause

39was held by video teleconference between sites in Tampa and

49Tallahassee, Florida, on July 10 , 2018, before Linzie F. Bogan,

59Administrative Law Judge of the Division of Administrative

67Hearings.

68APPEARANCES

69For Petitioner Michael Orrantia:

73Sean Timothy Desmond, Esquire

77Dudley, Sellers, Healy, Heath

81and Desmond, PLLC

84Suite 301

863522 Thomasville Road

89Tallahassee , Florida 32309

92For Respondent Department of Transportation :

98Susan Schwartz, Esquire

101Department of Transportation

104Mail Station 58

107605 Suwannee Street

110Tallahassee, Flori da 32399 - 0458

116For Respondent Gregory Henderson:

120Richard Lincoln Richards, Esquire

124Richards Goldstein, LLP

127Suite 310

12955 Miracle Mile

132Coral Gables, Florida 33134

136STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE

140Whether the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT or

148Department) properly issued an Airport Site Approval Order to

157Air - Med Eye Care in Hillsborough County, Florida.

166PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

168On November 17, 2017, FDOT issued an A irport S ite A pp roval

182O rder to Dr. Gregory Henderson to construct a private heliport

193in Hillsborough County, Florida. On or about November 27, 2017,

203Dr. Michael Orrantia timely filed a petition for administrative

212hearing challenging the proposed A irport S ite A pproval O r der.

225Dr. Orrantia filed a n amended petition on December 22, 2017 , and

237the matter was scheduled for an informal hearing. On April 21,

2482018, Dr. Orrantia filed a second amended petition for

257administrative hearing. On May 10, 2018, the Department referred

266this matter to the Division of Administrative Hearings for a

276disputed - fact hearing.

280During the disputed - fact hearing, FDOT presented the

289testimony of Alice Lammert and called no other witnesses.

298Dr. Henderson testified on behalf of himself and offered

307ad ditional testimony from Christopher Hill and David Roberts.

316Dr. Orrantia did not testify but did offer testimony from

326Dr. Henderson as part of his case - in - chief. FDOT Exhibits 1

340through 4, 7 through 10, and 12 were admitted into evidence.

351Dr. Henderso n Exhibits 1 through 17, 19 through 44, 46 and 47,

364were admitted into evidence. There were no exhibits received

373into evidence on behalf of Dr. Orrantia.

380A T ranscript of the disputed - fact hearing was filed with

392the Division of Administrative Hearings on J uly 26, 2018. On

403August 2, 2018, Petitioner filed an Agreed Upon Motion for

413Extension of Time to F ile P roposed Recommended Orders. The

424motion was granted, and on August 16, 2018, each party submitted

435a Proposed Recommended Order.

439FINDING S OF FACT

4431. In March 2017, Dr. Henderson submitted to FDOT an

453application for approval to construct a private airport

461(heliport) in Hillsborough County, Florida.

4662 . FDOT has authority under s ection 330.30, Florida

476Statutes (2018) , 1/ to issue airport site approval orders , register

486private airports, and license public airports.

4923. Sect ion 330.27(2) defines an ÐairportÑ as Ðan area of

503land or water used for, or intended to be used for, landing and

516takeoff of aircraft, including appurtenant areas, buildings,

523facilities, or rights - of - way necessary to facilitate such use or

536intended use.

5384. Section 330.27(4) defines a Ðprivate airportÑ as Ðan

547airport, publicly or privately owned, which is not open or

557available for use by the public, but may be made available to

569others by invi tation of the owner or manager.Ñ

5785 . P ublic airports must submit to an on - site inspection and

592provide documentation to the Department for consideration of an

601airport site approval order. Private airports are required to

610maintain the same documentation req uired of public airports, but

620are not required to submit documents to the Department or submit

631to an on - site inspection. Instead, a pplicants seeking a private

643airport site approval order use an interactive database to

652respond to a series of questions and the applicant then certif ies

664that they possess the documentation required to support the

673application .

6756 . On February 10, 2009, the Hillsborough County Board of

686County Commissioners (county commission) granted Dr. Henderson a

694zoning approval for the develo pment of his property located on

705Eichenfeld Drive in Brandon, Florida . The zoning approval

714contained a number of restrictions but generally allowed for the

724construction of medical/professional offices, a comm ercial

731apartment, and a heliport . 2/ Specifical ly as to the heliport, the

744county commission approved the same with the following

752limitation, to wit: Ð the permitted helicopter for the site shall

763be a Robinson R44 or similar model subject to staff review and

775approval. Ñ The Robinson R44 is the only mode l of aircraft that

788the county commission has zoned for operation at the heliport.

7987 . On April 17, 2009, Dr. Henderson transferred the

808property by general warranty deed to KMDG - Eichenfeld, LLC. On

819January 1, 2017, KMDG - Eichenfeld, LLC , leased the property to

830Gregory Henderson, MD, FACS, Inc., for a ten - year term .

8428 . On July 25, 2017, Dr. Henderson received airspace

852approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a

861private use heliport on the property subject to restrictions,

870including a design ated approach and departure path.

8789 . FDOTÓs on - line application process requires an applicant

889to certify that they complied with all airport site approval

899conditions and that they will maintain documentation related to

908the application.

91010 . Dr. Henderson completed t he on - line application process

922and certif ied that he had rights to the property, local

933government authorization, and FAA approval.

93811 . Dr. Henderson further certified that for the site, he

949had a f acility d iagram, a quadrangle map showing the g eodetic

962position, and a location map.

96712 . In accordance with the certification, Dr. Henderson

976maintained a list of VFR (visual flight rules) airports within

986three nautical miles and IFR (instrument flight rules) airports

995within 10 nautical miles of the p roposed site and he, as

1007required, sent a notice of the heliport establishment to each of

1018the listed facilities.

10211 3 . Dr. Henderson maintains a list of real property owners

1033within 300 feet of the proposed heliport and sent each a letter

1045notifying them of the proposed use. Dr. Henderson received a

1055single response to the notification, an email listing concerns

1064from Dr. Orrantia , who owns the adjoining property.

10721 4 . As required, Dr. Henderson published a public notice in

1084the Tampa Bay Times.

10881 5 . Dr. Hende rson appropriately certified that there are no

1100solid waste facilities wi thin 10,000 feet of the heliport Ó s f inal

1115a pproach and t akeoff are a, safe air traffic patterns have been

1128established, and safety and security measures have been

1136implemented.

11371 6 . Alice Lammert is FDOT 's private airport compliance

1148manager. On or about July 26, 2017, Ms. Lammert, in response to

1160an email from Chris topher Hill who works as Dr. HendersonÓs

1171representative, provided Mr. Hill with instructions for securing

1179approval from FDOT o f the proposed heliport site. The

1189instructions list several steps associated with FDOTÓs approval

1197process. Step 6 of the instructions provides, in part, that

1207Ð[o]nce FDOT is satisfied that all of the conditions of [Florida

1218Administrative Code Rule] 14 - 60 .005(5)(a - m) have been met, an

1231Airport Site Approval Order will be issued.Ñ

123817. Step 5 of the instructions provides as follows:

1247Once a complete application has been

1253submitted and all documentation requested has

1259been received, FDOTÓs review will begin.

1265Pl ease keep in mind that this review may take

1275several weeks, as we conduct our own airspace

1283analysis; determine if adequate area exists

1289for the type of aircraft that will be

1297operated from the site ; and conduct an

1304examination of obstacles, approach/departure

1308paths, ownership rights, and so on.

1314(emphasis added) .

131718. On October 4, 2017, Ms. Lammert submitted to Mr. Hill a

1329list of questions related to Dr. HendersonÓs application. One of

1339the questions asks ÐWhat is the make and model of the aircraft

1351that will be operating from the helipad?Ñ Mr. Hill responded

1362ÐRobinson R66 .Ñ Ms. Lammert conducted an analysis of the runway

1373and taxiway design criteria and airport design layout in light of

1384the performance characteristics of the Robinson R66 and

1392determined that t he proposed heliport could accommodate this

1401particular model of aircraft. FDOT did not however, perform a

1411similar analysis for the Robinson R44, which is the only aircraft

1422zoned for operation at the site by the county commission.

143219. Dr. Henderson testif ied that the Robinson R66 and R44

1443aircraft have similar design and performance characteristics.

1450Dr. HendersonÓs opinion as to the design and performance

1459characteristics of the respective helicopters is not credited

1467because there was insufficient proof off ered to establish that

1477Dr. Henderson possesses the necessary training, experience, or

1485education to render such a technical opinion.

149220 . David Roberts, FDOTÓs a viation o perations

1501a dministrator, explained that FDOT is required to ensure that the

1512applicant has local government auth orization to construct a

1521heliport , but the Department does not dictate what aircraft is

1531to be used on the heliport once constructed. According to

1541Mr. Roberts, t he type of aircraft to be used at the facility is

1555determined by the airport operator, the FAA, and the local

1565political subdivision. Mr. Roberts also testified that t he

1574airport owner must certify during registration every two years

1583that the airport meets the operational requirements of the

1592aircraft that are using the faci lity.

159921 . Ms. Lammert reviewed the FAA Notice of Heliport

1609Airspace Determination authorizing th e airspace use above the

1618heliport . A s eparate analysis conducted by an FDOT contractor

1629confirmed that, subject to the conditions and recommendations of

1638the FA A, the private use landing area would not adversely impact

1650the navigable airspace.

165322 . On or about November 17, 2017, FDOT issued an A irport

1666S ite A pproval O rder for the Air - Med Eye Care and noted therein

1682the following :

1685The Department is satisfied that you r

1692airport, if completed in accordance with your

1699site proposal, will meet all of the following

1707required conditions: (1) that the site has

1714adequate area allocated for the airport, as

1721proposed; (2) that the proposed airport will

1728conform to the Department's l icensing or

1735registration requirements; (3) that the

1740proposed airport will comply with the

1746applicable local government land development

1751regulations and zoning requirements; (4) that

1757all affected airports, local governments, and

1763property owners have been not ified and any

1771comments submitted by them have been given

1778adequate consideration; (5) that safe, air -

1785traffic patterns can be established for the

1792proposed airport with all existing airports

1798and approved airport sites in its vicinity.

1805The Airport Site Approv al Order is granted

1813subject to your compliance with the following

1820conditions that are deemed necessary by the

1827department to protect the public health,

1833safety, or welfare:

1836All operations are conducted in DAYNFR

1842weather conditions ;

1844The landing area is limi ted to private - use ;

1854All helicopter ingress/egress route

1858operations are conducted on 210° (ingress)

1864magnetic clockwise to 030° (egress) magnetic

1870headings, additional approach/departure route

1874operations are conducted on 080° (ingress) to

1881260° (egress ) magne tic headings, using the

1889touchdown pad (TLOF) as the center of the

1897compass rose.

1899CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

190223. The Division of Administrative Hearings has

1909jurisdiction of the subject matter of and the parties to this

1920proceeding. §§ 120.569 and 120.57(1), Fla. S tat.

192824. The general rule is that the burden of proof, apart

1939from a statutory directive, is on the party asserting the

1949affirmative of an issue before an administrative tribunal. Young

1958v. Dep't of Cmty. Aff. , 625 So. 2d 831, 833 - 834 (Fla. 1993);

1972Dep't of Transp. v. J.W.C. Co. , 396 So. 2d 778, 788 (Fla. 1st DCA

19861981); Balino v. Dep't of HRS , 348 So. 2d 349, 350 (Fla. 1st DCA

20001977). In this case, FDOT bears the burden of showing that the

2012applicant is entitled to a private airport site - approval order. 3/

202425. Section 330.30(1) provides in part as follows:

2032(a) Except as provided in subsection (3),

2039the owner or lessee of any proposed airport

2047shall, prior to site acquisition or

2053construction or establishment of the proposed

2059airport, obtain approval of the airport site

2066from the department. Applications for

2071approval of a site shall be made in a form

2081and manner prescribed by the department. The

2088department shall grant the site approval if

2095it is satisfied:

20981. That the site has adequate area allocated

2106for the airpor t as proposed.

21122. That the proposed airport will conform to

2120licensing or registration requirements and

2125will comply with the applicable local

2131government land development regulations or

2136zoning requirements.

21383. That all affected airports, local

2144government s, and property owners have been

2151notified and any comments submitted by them

2158have been given adequate consideration.

21634. That safe air - traffic patterns can be

2172established for the proposed airport with all

2179existing airports and approved airport sites

2185in it s vicinity.

2189* * *

2192(c) Site approval shall be granted for

2199private airports only after receipt of

2205documentation in a form and manner the

2212department deems necessary to satisfy the

2218conditions in paragraph (a).

222226. The conditions imposed by section 330.30 , as cited

2231above, establish statutory prerequisites that must be met before

2240FDOT grants approval of an airport site. See Seefried v. DepÓt

2251of Transp. , Case No. 12 - 1512 (Fla. DOAH Feb. 21, 2013; Fla. DOT

2265Mar. 25, 2013).

226827. Section 330.27 provides definit ions of certain terms

2277used in section 330.30. Section 330.27 does not, however, define

2287the term ÐsatisfiedÑ as used in section 330.30. The word

2297ÐsatisfyÑ is the root word of ÐsatisfiedÑ and according to

2307Merriam - Webster, the transitive verb ÐsatisfyÑ mean s Ðto put an

2319end to doubt or uncertainty.Ñ https://www.merriam - webster.com/

2327dictionary/satisfy .

232928. In order to satisfy itself that a particular airport

2339site should be approved, FDOT promulgated rule 14 - 60.005 and set

2351forth therein several conditions tha t must be met by the

2362applicant. Rule 14 - 60.005(4) provides as follows:

2370Conditions for Site Approval. The Department

2376shall grant site approval for a proposed

2383airport that complies with all the

2389requirements of Section 330.30, F.S., subject

2395to any reasonabl e conditions necessary to

2402protect the public health, safety, or

2408welfare. Such conditions shall include

2413operations limited to VFR flight conditions,

2419restricted approach or takeoff direction from

2425only one end of a runway, specified air -

2434traffic pattern layou ts to help prevent mid -

2443air collision conflict with aircraft flying

2449at another nearby airport, airport noise

2455abatement procedures in order to satisfy

2461community standards, or other environmental

2466compatibility measures.

246829. Rule 14 - 60.005(5), as applicable to private airports

2478pursuant to rule 14 - 60.005(6), 4 / provides as follows:

2489Public Airport Site Approval. Public airport

2495site approval applications shall be

2500accompanied by the following supporting

2505documentation to allow the Department to make

2512its airport s ite approval determination and

2519to ensure the applicantÓs satisfaction of

2525conditions stated in subsection 14 - 60.005(4),

2532F.A.C., above:

2534(a) Property Rights. Provide a copy of

2541written legal confirmation of ownership,

2546option to buy, or lease agreement for t he

2555real property that comprises the site on

2562which the proposed airport would be located.

2569Although adequate safety areas surrounding an

2575airport site are important and a factor in

2583the DepartmentÓs approval determination, the

2588applicant is not required to hold property

2595rights over those real property areas that

2602would constitute runway approach surfaces.

2607(b) Facility Diagram. Provide a scale

2613drawing showing the size and dimensions of

2620the proposed facility; property rights of way

2627and easements; lighting, power , and telephone

2633poles; location of building(s) on property

2639and surrounding areas; and direction,

2644distance, and height of all structures

2650over 25 feet within 1,000 feet of the site

2660perimeter.

2661(c) Geodetic Position. Provide a copy of a

2669U.S. Geological Sur vey quadrangle map or

2676equivalent with the proposed site plotted to

2683the nearest second of latitude and longitude.

2690(d) Location Map. Provide a copy of a map

2699or sketch, at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size,

2709showing the location of the proposed site,

2716with respe ct to recognizable landmarks and

2723access roads to the site clearly marked.

2730(e) Aviation Facilities. Provide a list of

2737names and mailing addresses for adjacent

2743airports, including a sample copy of the

2750letter submitted as proposal notification to

2756these air ports, and attach a copy of all

2765airport reply correspondence.

27681. For a proposed airport or seaplane

2775landing facility, list all VFR airports and

2782heliports within five nautical miles and all

2789IFR airports within 20 nautical miles.

27952. For a proposed helipo rt, list all VFR

2804airports and heliports within three nautical

2810miles and all IFR airports within 10 nautical

2818miles.

2819(f) Local Government. Provide a copy of

2826each of the letters of notification, showing

2833the recipientÓs name and mailing address,

2839that have b een submitted to each zoning

2847authority having jurisdiction, for the

2852municipality and county in which the site

2859lies or which is located within five nautical

2867miles of the proposed airport site. The

2874applicant shall also include a copy of all

2882related correspo ndence from each city or

2889county authority, including a statement that

2895the proposed airport site is in compliance

2902with local zoning requirements or that such

2909requirements are not applicable.

2913(g) Adjacent Property. Provide a list of

2920the names and mailing addresses of all real

2928property owners within 1,000 feet of the

2936airport site perimeter, or within 300 feet of

2944the heliport or helistop site perimeter,

2950including a single copy of the letter of

2958notification submitted as notification to

2963these adjacent real pro perty owners, and

2970include a copy of all real property owner

2978correspondence in reply. If notification was

2984provided by a local government as part of its

2993review and approval process for the airport,

3000provide written confirmation of the fact, in

3007lieu of the ab ove required submittal by the

3016applicant.

3017(h) Public Notice. Provide a copy of the

3025notice and of the letter, showing the

3032recipientÓs name and mailing address,

3037requesting publication of notification of the

3043proposed airport site in a newspaper of

3050general c irculation in the county in which

3058the proposed airport site is located and

3065counties within five nautical miles of the

3072proposed airport site. If this condition has

3079been accomplished by a local government as

3086part of its review and approval process for

3094the a irport, provide written confirmation of

3101the fact, in lieu of the above required

3109submittal by the applicant.

3113(i) Waste Sites. Provide written

3118confirmation that the runway(s) on the

3124proposed airport would not be located

3130within 5,000 feet of any solid was te

3139management facility for a proposed airport

3145serving only non - turbine aircraft, or within

315310,000 feet of any solid waste management

3161facility for a proposed airport serving

3167turbine - driven aircraft.

3171(j) Air Traffic Pattern. Provide written

3177confirmation, including a graphical

3181depiction, demonstrating that safe air

3186traffic patterns can be established for the

3193proposed airport with all existing and

3199approved airport sites within three miles of

3206the proposed airport site. Provide a copy of

3214written memorandum(s) of understanding or

3219letter(s) of agreement, signed by each

3225respective party, regarding air traffic

3230pattern separation procedures between the

3235parties representing the proposed airport and

3241any existing airport(s) or approved airport

3247site(s) located within t hree miles of the

3255proposed site.

3257(k) Safety Factors. Provide written

3262confirmation that the runway and taxiway

3268design criteria and airport design layout of

3275the proposed airport have appropriately taken

3281into account consideration of the

3286manufacturerÓs per formance characteristics

3290for the type(s) of aircraft planned to be

3298operated; the frequency and type(s) of flight

3305operations to be anticipated; planned

3310aviation - related or non - aviation activities

3318on the airport; and any other safety

3325considerations, as neces sary, to help ensure

3332the general public health, safety, and

3338welfare of persons located on or near the

3346airport.

3347(l ) Security Factors. Provide written

3353confirmation that the proposed airport site

3359owner or lessee will take appropriate steps

3366to help protect the general public health,

3373safety, and welfare through secure airport

3379operations and that they will develop and

3386implement adequate airport security measures

3391to safeguard airport and aviation - related

3398assets from misappropriation or misuse in

3404order to preven t potential loss or public

3412endangerment.

3413(m) FAA Approval. Provide a copy of the

3421notification to the FAA regarding the

3427proposed airport site and a copy of the FAAÓs

3436airspace approval correspondence given in

3441response.

344230. As previously noted, Dr. Hende rson, as part of the

3453application review process, provided FDOT with information from

3461the county commission showing that the Robinson R44 is the only

3472aircraft zoned for operation at the heliport. Subsequent to

3481receiving approval from the county commission, and knowing of

3490Robinson R44 zoning limitation, Dr. Henderson informed FDOT that

3499he would operate a Robinson R66 helicopter on the heliport and

3510not the Robinson R44. It is without question that FDOT knows

3521that the county commission has not approved the he liport for the

3533Robinson R66 model helicopter.

353731. Dr. HendersonÓs statement to FDOT that he will operate

3547a Robinson R66 model helicopter at the heliport is an admission

3558by Dr. Henderson that he knowingly intends to operate the

3568heliport in contravention t o the zoning requirements established

3577by the county commission.

358132. In its Proposed Recommended Order, FDOT asserts that it

3591Ðrequires local zoning authorization, but does not enforce the

3600conditions set forth by the local zoning boardÑ when considering

3610a n application for airport site approval. The agency also

3620contends that Ðthe Department does not restrict the aircraft

3629authorized to use an airport to the aircraft identified in the

3640application.Ñ The essence of FDOTÓs position seems to be that as

3651part of the site approval process, the Department really does not

3662concern itself with the specifics of the approval issued by the

3673local zoning board, and further, that it does not care about the

3685type of aircraft to be operated at the facility.

369433. Section 330.30 requires that prior to approving an

3703airport site, FDOT must Ðput an end to doubt or uncertaintyÑ

3714about whether a proposed airport complies with applicable local

3723government land development regulation or zoning requirements.

3730The Department cannot fulfill i ts obligation to the public if it

3742ignores during the site approval process express Ðaircraft type

3751limitationsÑ imposed on an applicant by a local zoning board.

3761Contrary to FDOTÓs assertion, the issue, in the context of site

3772approval, is not one of Ðenforc ementÑ of local zoning

3782requirements, but is instead one of Ðrecognition and

3790acknowledgmentÑ of such requirements so as to protect the health,

3800safety and welfare of the public.

380634. Because the county commission conditioned its approval

3814of Dr. HendersonÓs s ite on the operation of a ÐRobinson R44 or

3827similar model subject to staff review and approval,Ñ and

3837Dr. Henderson informed FDOT that he will operate a Robinson R66

3848model helicopter (which has not been approved), Dr. HendersonÓs

3857pending application for sit e approval fails to comply with the

3868requirements of rule 14 - 60.005(5)(f) because he has not, and

3879indeed cannot on the instant record, certify that the proposed

3889airport site will be operated in compliance with local zoning

3899requirements. Stated succinctly, Dr. Henderson has failed to

3907secure local zoning authorization to operate a Robinson R66 model

3917helicopter at the site, and such authorization is a statutory

3927prerequisite to FDOT approving the site.

393335. As noted above, FDOT contends that Ðthe Department doe s

3944not restrict the aircraft authorized to use an airport to the

3955aircraft identified in the application.Ñ Generally speaking,

3962this statement may be true as to post - site approval flight

3974operations. However, there is nothing i n section 330.30 or the

3985rules r elated thereto, which allows an applicant, as part of the

3997site approval process, to circumvent local zoning requirements by

4006misrepresenting, to both FDOT and the local zoning board, the

4016type of aircraft that will be operated at the facility. 5 /

4028Furthermore , FDOTÓs assertion flies in the face of the

4037DepartmentÓs application approval process which asks an applicant

4045to identify the Ðtype of aircraft that will be operated from the

4057siteÑ so that FDOT can Ðconduct [its] own airspace analysis.Ñ

406737. Section 330. 30(1) dictates that prior to approving an

4077airport site FDOT must be ÐsatisfiedÑ that the proposed airport

4087Ðwill comply with the applicable local government land

4095development regulations or zoning requirements.Ñ FDOT has

4102failed to prove that Dr. HendersonÓ s application satisfies

4111section 330.30(1)(a)2. , and rule 14 - 60.005(5)(f).

411838. Finally, Dr. Orrantia argues that Dr. Henderson does

4127not have sufficient property rights to the heliport because the

4137property is owned by KMDG - Eichenfeld, LLC, and leased to Gre gory

4150Henderson, MD, FACS, Inc. The lease agreement admitted into

4159evidence demonstrates that Dr. Henderson is the president of

4168Gregory L. Henderson, MD, FACS, Inc . , and is authorized to enter

4180into leases and apply for licenses on behalf of the corporation.

4191Accordingly, this contention by Dr. Orrantia is without merit and

4201does not provide a basis for denying the airport site approval

4212application of Dr. Gregory Henderson.

4217RECOMMENDATION

4218Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of

4228Law, it is RE COMMENDED that the Department of Transportation

4238enter a final order denying the site approval application of

4248Gregory Henderson and withdrawing the Airport Site Approval Order

4257issued to Dr. Henderson on November 17, 2017 , Site Approval

4267Number SW201 7 - FLA - 017 2 - H P.

4278DONE AND ENTERED this 5 th day of September , 2018 , in

4289Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

4293S

4294LINZIE F. BOGAN

4297Administrative Law Judge

4300Division of Administrative Hearings

4304The DeSoto Building

43071230 Apalachee Parkway

4310Tallah assee, Florida 32399 - 3060

4316(850) 488 - 9675

4320Fax Filing (850) 921 - 6847

4326www.doah.state.fl.us

4327Filed with the Clerk of the

4333Division of Administrative Hearings

4337this 5 th day of September , 2018 .

4345ENDNOTE S

43471/ All subsequent references to Florida Statutes will be to 2018,

4358unless otherwise indicated.

43612/ A heliport is generally understood as being a facility or

4372structure which facilitates the takeoff and landing of

4380helicopters.

43813/ The parties agree that FDOT bears the burden of persuasion.

43924/ Rule 14 - 60.005( 6) provides, in part, as follows:

4403Private Airport Site Approval. Private

4408airport site approval applications, as stated

4414in paragraph 14 - 60.005(3)(b), F.A.C., above,

4421are subject to the same requirements for

4428approval as stated for public airport site

4435approv al applicants in paragraphs 14 -

444260.005(5)(a) - (m), F.A.C., above. However,

4448private airport site approval applicants are

4454required only to respond to interactive

4460inquiries on the specified Department private

4466airport website. Private airport applicants

4471are no t required to submit a hard copy,

4480written site approval application nor

4485supporting documentation, as required of

4490public airports. However, all private

4495airport site approval applicants shall retain

4501for their records all of the required

4508documentation relate d to the site approval

4515application, in order to be able to respond

4523to any possible future local, state, or

4530federal inquiry.

45325 / It is difficult to discern what Dr. HendersonÓs true

4543intentions are with respect to the type of aircraft that he

4554intends to ope rate at the site. It is either the Robinson R44

4567or the R66, or possibly neither. If the goal is to protect

4579the health, safety, and welfare of the public, as noted is

4590section 330.30, then it must be the case that FDOTÓs site

4601approval process should func tion so as to require truth and

4612accuracy from those who seek airport site approval.

4620COPIES FURNISHED:

4622Frederick R. Dudley, Esquire

4626Dudley, Sellers and Healy, P.L.

4631Suite 301

46333522 Thomasville Road

4636Tallahassee, Florida 32309

4639(eServed)

4640Susan Schwartz, Es quire

4644Department of Transportation

4647Mail Station 58

4650605 Suwannee Street

4653Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 0458

4658(eServed)

4659Richard Lincoln Richards, Esquire

4663Richards Goldstein, LLP

4666Suite 310

466855 Miracle Mile

4671Coral Gables, Florida 33134

4675(eServed)

4676Sean Timothy Desm ond, Esquire

4681Dudley, Sellers, Healy, Heath

4685and Desmond, PLLC

4688Suite 301

46903522 Thomasville Road

4693Tallahassee, Florida 32309

4696(eServed)

4697Andrea Shulthiess, Clerk of Agency Pro ceedings

4704Department of Transportation

4707Haydon Burns Building

4710605 Suwannee Street, Ma il Stop 58

4717Tallahassee, Florida 32 3 99 - 0450

4724(eServed)

4725Erik Fenniman, General Counsel

4729Department of Transportation

4732Haydon Burns Building

4735605 Suwannee Street, Mail Stop 58

4741Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 0450

4746(eServed)

4747Michael J. Dew, Secretary

4751Department of Transportation

4754Haydon Burns Building

4757605 Suwannee Street, Mail Stop 58

4763Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 0450

4768(eServed)

4769NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS

4775All parties have the right to submit written exceptions within

478515 days from the date of this Recommen ded Order. Any exceptions

4797to this Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that

4808will issue the Final Order in this case.

Select the PDF icon to view the document.
PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 12/04/2018
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 12/03/2018
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 09/11/2018
Proceedings: Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Respondent, Gregory Henderson's Exhibits, which were not admitted into evidence to Respondent.
PDF:
Date: 09/11/2018
Proceedings: Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Respondent's Exhibits not offered into evidence to the agency.
PDF:
Date: 09/05/2018
Proceedings: Recommended Order
PDF:
Date: 09/05/2018
Proceedings: Recommended Order (hearing held July 10, 2018). CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 09/05/2018
Proceedings: Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
PDF:
Date: 08/16/2018
Proceedings: Gregory Henderson's Proposed Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/16/2018
Proceedings: Proposed Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/16/2018
Proceedings: Department of Transportation's Proposed Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/06/2018
Proceedings: Order Granting Extension of Time.
PDF:
Date: 08/03/2018
Proceedings: Agreed Motion for Extension to File Proposed Recommended Orders filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/27/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Filing Transcript.
Date: 07/26/2018
Proceedings: Transcript of Proceedings (not available for viewing) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/17/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (Sean Desmond) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/16/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Correspondence filed.
Date: 07/10/2018
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
PDF:
Date: 07/09/2018
Proceedings: Order Denying Motion for Continuance and Striking Ronald Beasley as a Witness.
PDF:
Date: 07/06/2018
Proceedings: Response in Opposition to Petitioner's Motion to Continue Final Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/06/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Designation of Witness filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/06/2018
Proceedings: Amended Motion to Cancel Teleconference Location filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/06/2018
Proceedings: Motion to Continue Final Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Gregory Henderson's Notice of Filing Exhibits filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Additional Witness filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Motion to Strike Petitioner's Claim for Attorney's Fees filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Motion to Cancel Teleconference Location filed.
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing).
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Filing of Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed.
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing).
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Gregory Henderson's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing).
PDF:
Date: 07/03/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Filing Exhibits filed.
PDF:
Date: 06/29/2018
Proceedings: Joint Pre-hearing Stipulation filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/18/2018
Proceedings: Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
PDF:
Date: 05/18/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for July 10, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Tampa and Tallahassee, FL).
PDF:
Date: 05/18/2018
Proceedings: Response to the Court's Initial Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/11/2018
Proceedings: Initial Order.
PDF:
Date: 05/10/2018
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (Richard Richards).
PDF:
Date: 05/10/2018
Proceedings: Agency action letter filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/10/2018
Proceedings: Amended Petition for Administrative Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/10/2018
Proceedings: Agency referral filed.

Case Information

Judge:
LINZIE F. BOGAN
Date Filed:
05/10/2018
Date Assignment:
05/11/2018
Last Docket Entry:
12/04/2018
Location:
Tampa, Florida
District:
Middle
Agency:
ADOPTED IN PART OR MODIFIED
 

Counsels

Related Florida Statute(s) (7):

Related Florida Rule(s) (1):