VALPARAISO, Fla. – The Valparaiso City Commission filed suit in U.S. District Court Monday seeking an injunction blocking the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Training Center from coming to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.. The 58-page suit asks the courts to halt all ground breakings, movement of aircraft and personnel. It claims the Air Force violated federal rules by not considering other locations on Eglin that would have less noise impact on Valparaiso. In two related matters, a lawyer told WEAR-TV that a suit will be filed in state court against Valparaiso, claiming a violation of sunshine laws. And Florida Freedom Newspapers reports that the Bay County commission has sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley offering Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Fla., as a good location for the training center. That base is losing two F-15s squadrons by the end of 2010. (Sources: Florida Freedom Newspapers, WEAR-TV, WJHG-TV, 03/30/09)
