Gov. Charlie Crist Issues Hollow Everglades Victory Statement

Thursday's Florida Supreme Court validation of certificates of participation for the U.S. Sugar Corp.-Everglades restoration deal had to feel like a hollow victory for Gov. Charlie Crist.

Three project downsizings thanks to an economy gone sour, empty pockets to begin any real restoration and little hope of exercising the option to buy more land in three years -- and now his term as Florida governor about to end.

It is a hoped-for legacy lost.

On Friday the governor nevertheless plucked up his trademark optimism or his trademark spin -- you be the judge -- releasing this statement on the Supreme Court ruling:

I am pleased that the Florida Supreme Court today upheld the South Florida Water Management Districts authority to issue Certificates of Participation for the purchase of 73,000 acres from U.S. Sugar. Florida continues its steadfast commitment to the restoration of Americas Everglades and the entire South Florida ecosystem. The Supreme Courts decision allows for the potential acquisition of additional lands, as provided for in its order, beyond the 26,800 acres purchased in October, needed to restore this complex natural system, provide long-term benefits for our environment and maintain a high quality of life for millions of Floridians.