Stay safe out there, Florida

We interrupt (some of) our regularly scheduled programming to say: Here comes Helene.

The impact of this storm is going to reverberate across the state, even in areas not directly in the path. Power outages are expected and some could be without power for up to a week. The blow to water quality could be immense, and we'll be dealing with it for a long time after the clouds lift. But for now, particularly if you ARE in the path, finish your prep and get safe.

The Weather Channel has good, up-to-date hurricane-related news; and here's a handy hurricane preparation guide (PDF) from the Florida Attorney General's Office should you need it.

We hope you don't — so take care and we'll see you on the other side.

ICYMI: VoteWater endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for U.S. Senate

VoteWater has endorsed former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for the U.S. Senate.

VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart praised Mucarsel-Powell’s commitment to cleaner water and noted that she’s taken no money from Florida’s sugar industry, while her opponent, incumbent Sen. Rick Scott, has taken more than $800,000 from Big Sugar this election cycle alone.

“Florida’s natural beauty and unique environment is one of the many things that makes it so special – and is a key driver of our economic prosperity and tourism in Florida,” said Mucarsel-Powell.

Wilton Simpson rakes in special interest cash

Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson is perhaps one of the most powerful politicians in the state, and rumored to be interested in a future gubernatorial run.

If he does run, he'll have plenty of "dirty money" in his corner.

Over the past six years, Simpson — initially as a state senator, now as Ag Secretary — has raked in some $5.6 million to his campaigns and his political action committees from the agricultural sector, from Big Sugar, phosphate mining firms and especially "polluter PACs," political action committees that take money from all the above. Click here for a closer look at Simpson's take; click here for our "Dirty Money Project" main page; and for a quick reel on how to use the page, check out this video on our YouTube channel.

The fight for clean water needs your support!

From our endorsements to our work to scuttle the plan to develop Florida's state parks to our "Dirty Money Project," VoteWater is fighting on multiple fronts for cleaner water and political accountability.

Your support can back our attack and help us create an even bigger impact. Please consider donating or becoming a member today!