It's long past time to Rescue the River of Grass. Watch the video to learn why

More than 10,000 people have signed the petition, asking the Florida Legislature to acquire more land south of Lake Okeechobee in order to ensure a sustainable future for Florida’s economy, environment and health. Join the growing movement: learn more, and sign the petition today!

There’s a reason Big Sugar wields so much influence in the Florida Legislature. And “Dirty Money” campaign contributions are only one part of the equation.

The other part: Lobbying.

According to research conducted by our Dirty Money partners at the Jacobs Law Clinic for Democracy & the Environment at the Stetson University College of Law, a total of 98 lobbyists were registered to represent Florida’s sugar industry between 2018-2024, and as of the end of 2024, 75 had not withdrawn registration.

But it’s not just “how many,” it’s who. Big Sugar’s lobbyist list is rife with the most influential names in Tallahassee, including a former state Senate President and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives; a former Chief of Staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis; the principal shareholders of some of the biggest lobbying firms in the state and more.

It's like a "who's who" of clout, all for the purpose of furthering Big Sugar’s interests.

For the list of lobbyists and their backgrounds, click the button.

Deep Dive: No, Lake O discharges don't cause red tide; but they feed it

The recent bout of red tide on Florida’s Gulf Coast that killed fish and caused respiratory problems in people also brought up a long-standing subject of debate:

Do Lake Okeechobee discharges cause red tide?

Several scientific studies show that Lake O discharges to the Caloosahatchee River, which runs into the Gulf near Fort Myers, don’t cause red tide, but the discharges do make the red tide worse. Our latest Deep Dive has the rundown on how the process works, and what we can do to reverse the toxic trend.

Wanted: a few good Community Liaisons!

At VoteWater we’re always looking for a few good water warriors. And if that describes you, consider becoming one of our Community Liaisons!

We need volunteers to be our “eyes and ears” in their local community, keeping us apprised on clean-water issues and where elected officials and candidates stand on those issues.

Responsibilities would include:

1. Keep VoteWater informed about clean-water issues in your community: news stories, actions taken (or not taken) by elected officials, pollution problems and attempts to address them, etc.
2. Advocate in your community by attending public meetings and commenting on behalf of VoteWater, where appropriate, on clean-water issues.
3. Help VoteWater assess political candidates in your community. Help identify candidates who might be or become allies; speak to those candidates to convey our priorities and determine theirs, and make recommendations to VoteWater on potential endorsements.
4. Help identify fundraising opportunities for VoteWater in your community: possible/likely donors, venues that might be willing to host an event, etc.

We are particularly interested in residents of Collier and Lee counties who are willing to serve in this role.

If interested, please contact VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart at (772) 212-2939, or by email at [email protected].

Sad milestone: Tell the Army Corps to stop the discharges!

TAKE ACTION: Complete this letter 

to Col. Brandon Bowman with

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;

or email Bowman at [email protected]

Help VoteWater make waves - and make change

VoteWater's new membership program is for those who want to help us do more to make clean water a political priority. Join now and help us fight for the clean-water future all Floridians deserve.