While Rep. Kriseman is an attorney at the firm of Saunders & Walker, he has no association with nor is he involved in any fashion with the litigation concerning Azalea residents and Raytheon. Rick Kriseman’s work at the firm is concentrated solely and exclusively in general liability issues.
Saunders & Walker attorney and Florida House Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-53) has filed HB 1229 which, if passed, will notify residents with a 500 foot radius of a contaminated test well. Additionally, the bill would notify schools that are within a mile radius of such contamination. The bill would also make it necessary to inform all elected officials, at every level, of the pollution. The costs for notification would be borne by the responsible parties for the contamination and not the taxpayer.
This bill arose out of the Azalea neighborhood debacle where residents were not informed about a toxic plume coming from the local Raytheon plant in St. Petersburg. The plume has spread and local residents remain anxious about the potential consequences to their health as well as diminution of property values.
While Rep. Kriseman admits the bill is not perfect, he pledges to work diligently to ensure the future safety of Floridians.