Treasure Coast takes center stage in Florida Legislature this year

By: Isadora Rangel, Treasure Coast Newspapers

There's no overstating: The Treasure Coast will take center stage in the Legislature in 2017.

Stuart Republican Joe Negron is the powerful Senate president. He's in a unique position to push for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, which his constituents have asked for since last summer's algae blooms.

That's not the only issue of Treasure Coast interest the Legislature will hear when it goes into session from Tuesday to May 7. There's a counterproposal dealing with Lake Okeechobee discharges, there are many plans to address septic tank pollution and a bill to rein in high-speed rail companies such as All Aboard Florida…