Big Sugar is sweet on Rick Scott, gives massive campaign donations

Remember “Red Tide Rick” Scott?

Right. We’ve tried to forget him, too.

The former Florida governor was no friend to the clean-water cause while in Tallahassee. Then he moved on to the U.S. Senate by barely beating incumbent Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson in 2018.

Now he's in a tight race for re-election; a new survey from Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research pegs his lead over Democratic challenger and former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell at a mere 2 points, 45% to 43%. Back in April, Scott was up by 17 points — and clearly, he’s going to need all the help he can get.

He’s getting plenty from Big Sugar.

A review of federal campaign finance data shows the sugar industry — spearheaded by Clewiston-based U.S. Sugar — has showered Scott with campaign cash. The biggest donations: A pair of $250,000 gifts from U.S. Sugar in 2023 to the “Project Rescue America” super PAC that supports Scott.

And that's not all. For more details, check out the full post on VoteWater.org.

Uh-O: Lake Okeechobee shooting back up

Will we get more discharges this year?

It’s impossible to answer that question. But the above graphic from the South Florida Water Management District doesn’t look good.

By June 10, the lake had fallen to 12.66 feet; then the rains came — and per this graph, as of June 17, the lake was at 13.39 feet.

With the summer rains and hurricane season just beginning, we could be in for more discharges later this summer and fall. But for now, all we can do is wait, keep our fingers crossed — and continue to advocate for more water storage throughout the system, so those along the northern estuaries don’t have to stare down the barrel of discharges every single year.

Meanwhile, back on the topic of elections...

First: We've got the updated list of candidates who've qualified at the state and county commissioner level on our web site: check out the info here, and know who's running in your neck of the woods.

Second: You may have seen the news that the Florida Democratic Party has fielded candidates in every single state legislative race this year. Democrats are heralding this as a triumph; Republicans see it as a futile waste of money, as many of the districts are solidly “red” and the Dem candidates are likely to wind up as electoral roadkill.

But let’s talk about why this is a good thing for the clean-water cause.

Now, in all of these races, there will be talk of policy and issues to some degree. The topic of clean water will be raised where it otherwise would not have been. Incumbents, even in districts where they’re a shoo-in, may have to address the issue, go on record with their position and otherwise put some effort into addressing the threats facing Florida’s fragile waterways.

And the more people and politicians talk about clean water, the better the chance elected officials will feel the pressure to actually do something about it.

Polluters have us outgunned - but you can help even the odds

At VoteWater we work to equip Floridians to demand clean water and political accountability.

But for every dollar we spend, Big Sugar and other polluters spend thousands. If we spend $1,000, they spend $1 million — on political contributions, lobbyists, consultants and more.

You can help even the odds.

By donating to VoteWater, or by becoming a member, you help us aim higher, hit harder and make waves.

Help us turn the toxic tide, once and for all.

P.S.: Have you completed and signed your petition for the proposed Florida Right to Clean Water Constitutional Amendment yet? Why the heck not? Stop by the VoteWater office at 3727 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 200A in Stuart to pick up a petition — or head over to the Right to Clean Water website to print one at home.