ST. PETERSBURG -- Sen. Charlie Justice said today he will likely support the so-called "all or nothing bill" that would prevent local governments from dividing up Tierra Verde.

The law would require a municipality to annex all of Tierra Verde or leave it alone.

The St. Petersburg City Council has asked Pinellas legislators to oppose the bill. The city annexed a commercial district at the foot of the unincorporated island in November despite widespread opposition and its goal is to eventually annex all of Tierra Verde. The bill wouldn't reverse the November annexation, but it could impact future annexation battles.

Justice, D-St. Petersburg, said island residents are wary of over-development and anything else that would significantly change their way of life.

"I'll support that," he said of the all or nothing bill. "And if they want to incorporate I would probably support that, too."

The local state delegation is expected to vote on the issue next month. If passed, it would go before the Legislature for consideration.

--Cristina Silva, Times staff writer