Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 1, 2015

The Everglades Foundation, Audubon Florida, the Nature Conservancy, and the H2O Coalition of the Associated Industries of Florida. What do all of these political players have in common? They scored a massive victory Tuesday all thanks to the Florida House of Representatives. A loud symphony of applause came in the form of a three-page news release where countless groups praised and thanked […]

Peter SchorschJuly 23, 2015

A casual observer could think there is a groundswell of grassroots organizations throughout South Florida, each fighting to preserve the Sunshine State’s unique environment. Not so. Upon closer examination, Chris Leggatt of the Daily Broward uncovered a “shadowy organization” working to manipulate both citizens and the government through a number of advocacy groups, exerting its own “twisted” […]

Guest AuthorJune 1, 2015

Last month, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) voted to forgo purchasing U.S. Sugar-owned land to build a vital reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). That decision is a setback to Everglades restoration and to communities enduring damaging discharges of polluted Lake Okeechobee water along Florida’s east and west […]

Guest AuthorMay 31, 2015

Last month, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) voted to forgo purchasing U.S. Sugar-owned land to build a vital reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). This decision is a setback to Everglades restoration and communities enduring damaging discharges of polluted Lake Okeechobee water along Florida’s east and west coasts. […]

Bruce RitchieApril 22, 2015

As President Barack Obama visited Everglades National Park on Wednesday to mark Earth Day and highlight the threat of climate change, Gov. Rick Scott said he is focused on restoration projects that are “making a difference.” “We have made significant investments since I got elected,” Scott told reporters on the Capitol grounds. Obama highlighted the […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said Wednesday that the Senate is getting closer to the House on a comprehensive water bill but differences remain. SB 918 was rewritten in a committee on Wednesday in response to requests by business groups and environmentalists, both of whom had raised concerns. Both sides still have issues, with environmentalists remaining […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

Eric Draper of Audubon Florida told a television audience this weekend that legislators are showing they are “out of sync” with voters who supported Amendment 1. Seventy-five percent of voters in November approved the funding initiative that would provide an estimated $742 million for water and land conservation in the 2015-16 state budget. Environmental groups […]

Phil AmmannMarch 25, 2015

A group of Florida residents formed a new organization to oppose a $500 million taxpayer-funded purchase of thousands of acres of farmland recommended by environmental activists and the Everglades Foundation. “Everglades restoration and protection are high priorities for all Floridians,” says Miami resident Nicholas John Kakanis, one of the founders of Florida Citizens Against Waste. […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

Counties, agriculture, industry groups and environmentalists all raised concerns Tuesday as a Senate committee passed its first version of a water bill. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner have said passing water legislation is a top priority in the 2015 Legislative Session. The House bill, opposed by environmentalists, passed the chamber 106-9 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 18, 2015

Environmental groups supporting the purchase of 46,000 acres of U.S. Sugar Corp. land launched on Wednesday commercials and released a petition from scientists in support of the proposal. The ads from the Everglades Trust show polluted water from Lake Okeechobee being discharged into the St. Lucie River with signs in Martin County warning against swimming. […]

Tag: Everglades Foundation

Environmental community scores big in Florida House on Tuesday

Think Florida has a “grassroots” environmental movement? Think again

Eric Eikenberg: Everglades Foundation still eager to work with Legislature on water storage

Eric Eikenberg: Everglades Foundation still eager to work with Legislature on water storage

As president visits Everglades, Rick Scott touts state’s restoration projects

Speaker says water bills closer, advisory council possible sticking point

Audubon’s Eric Draper says Legislature “out of sync” with voters

New organization opposes $500 million Everglades land purchase

Senate panel clears water bill; environment, industry groups concerned

Everglades group releases petition supporting U.S. Sugar land buy