In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the testimony of expert witness Abigail Bridges, who was called to address zoning issues related to a proposed rezone of a property in the Riverbend area. Henry Kramer, president of the Riverbend Neighborhood Civic Association, highlighted discrepancies in Bridges' testimony, asserting that she incorrectly classified the property as high-density multifamily zoning when it is actually designated as residential.

Kramer pointed out that Bridges, despite being presented as an expert, admitted under oath to lacking proficiency in zoning matters. He also noted that her testimony regarding transportation and fire requirements was unsupported by any certifications, raising questions about the validity of her claims.

Kramer, who has extensive qualifications including a Florida certified building contractor's license and a floodplain manager certification from FEMA, expressed concerns over the hearing master’s evaluation of the evidence presented. He criticized the reliance on lay testimony from the applicants, which he argued did not adequately counter Bridges' assertions.

The meeting underscored the community's desire to preserve the natural ecosystem in Riverbend, with Kramer urging officials to consider the implications of the proposed zoning changes. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between development interests and community preservation efforts in the area.