By Sally Swartz, Palm Beach Post
The campaign against All Aboard Florida is picking up speed on the Treasure Coast. The proposed high-speed train would connect downtown Miami to Orlando International Airport, with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach — and nowhere else.
On Tuesday, Martin County commissioners joined other governments fighting the trains in St. Lucie, Indian River and northern Palm Beach counties.
The project calls for 32 passenger trains daily, rocketing nonstop through coastal communities at speeds of 110-125 mph. More freight trains also are expected to join the high-speed passenger service.
Martin officials unanimously approved a resolution similar to those that Stuart, Jupiter Island, Tequesta, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Indian River County and St. Lucie Village have OK’d. St. Lucie County votes on one next week.
Martin Commissioner Doug Smith, who has supported All Aboard Florida, did not explain why he changed his mind to oppose it. Political reality is a possibility. Candidates from both parties running for local, state and national offices on the Treasure Coast oppose the passenger rail service.
Meantime, nearly 15,000 residents in coastal counties have signed petitions opposing All Aboard Florida, said K.C. Traylor, chair of Florida NOT All Aboard. Traylor said she spoke to the Delray Beach City Commission last week, and her group plans information forums in St. Lucie and Brevard counties next month.
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