ROCK MINE UPDATE: DeSantis vows Southland project won't hurt EAA Reservoir

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Martin County Tuesday to talk about python hunting, but briefly addressed the proposed Southland "Water Resource Project" (rock mine) in response to a reporter's question.

"Our Department of Environmental Protection is not going to allow anything that is being done on that, which is obviously approved by Palm Beach County, to impact what we’re doing in the EAA," said DeSantis. He was referencing the EAA Reservoir project, which is being built right next door to the 8,600+ acres where contractor Phillips & Jordan wants to mine limestone on land mostly owned by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals.

"We'll make sure it" — the rock mine — "will have no impact," said DeSantis.

At VoteWater, we're not reassured. Better to not roll the dice in the first place.

This was the first public update on the project in months. In August the Everglades Law Center filed suit on behalf of Tropical Audubon Society and two individuals to challenge the FDEP permit that would allow Southland to begin mining operations.

The "water resource" aspect of the project must go through the South Florida Water Management District approval process; Southland has not submitted an updated proposal to the district and has until Feb. 27 to do so.

'Hands Across the Land' to stand against 'Alligator Alcatraz' this Sunday

Want to keep the Everglades wild and voice your displeasure about "Alligator Alcatraz?"

Then join the “Hands Across the Land” peaceful gathering outside the Everglades detention center (54575 Tamiami Trail) from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The event will feature speakers, music and an interfaith prayer vigil beginning at 5 p.m. Bring bug spray, water, signs and a friend!

VoteWater endorses Omar Jimenez for Miami Beach Commission Group 1

Omar Jimenez of Miami Beach has seen the impacts of dirty water up close and personal. In 2020 a major sewer break in his neighborhood forced the city to forbid contact with water in the Park View Island Canal, which drains into Biscayne Bay. It turned Jimenez into a clean-water activist and, with the "no contact" signs still up five years later, it inspired him to run for office.

"My commitment is simple: to ensure that every drop of water flowing through Miami Beach is clean, safe, and worthy of the paradise we call home," said Jimenez.

And that's a commitment we here at VoteWater think ALL south Florida candidates should make!

For more on Jimenez's background and our endorsement, click the button below.

Lake O: Not dead yet, getting better?

In recent weeks we’ve spotlighted a recent report showing Lake Okeechobee is the most polluted in the United States. Almost everyone agrees that designation simply isn’t true — but that the lake does indeed have problems.

Last week a hearing in the state Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee sought to reassure legislators that things are getting better. Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, and Col Brandon Bowman of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers detailed all the work being done to “fix” the lake; billions of dollars spent, new infrastructure projects, detailed modeling and monitoring and more. The subtext was clear: Not only is Lake Okeechobee NOT in dire shape — it actually should be seen as a success story.

We’d have been more convinced had Bartlett’s performance not been followed by comments from Adam Basford, Vice President of Governmental Affairs with the Associated Industries of Florida, whose PACs get lots of money from Big Sugar and other polluters. Basford talked about how the Basin Management Action Plans designed to stem the flow of pollutants in the lake “are really working” and “we’re moving in the right direction.”

In other words: Florida, just keep on doing what you’re doing and all will be well.

Do you buy it? Watch the video, and you be the judge

ON OUR SOCIALS: Forbes profile of the Fanjuls shows why Big Sugar wins again, and again...

Over on our Facebook page we posted the link to a major new Forbes profile of the Fanjul sugar empire; the story is exhaustive, telling of how "Alfy" and "Pepe" fled Castro's Cuban revolution, put down roots in Pahokee and grew by courting politicians on both sides of the aisle. But lately they've really been kissing up to President Trump, giving more than $7 million in "Dirty Money" to Trump campaigns and PACs since 2016. Unsurprisingly, that resulted in sugar price supports being included in the "Big, Beautiful Bill," which will further enrich the billionaires.

Got thoughts on this? Head over to our Facebook page and air them out!

This is what we're fighting for

At VoteWater, we’re fighting for what matters most — clean water, healthy estuaries, and a future where every Floridian can enjoy our rivers, lakes, and coasts. Your support powers that fight — helping us hold polluters accountable, push for smarter policies, and elect leaders who put clean water first.

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