Email from VoteWater Next rock mine meeting Thursday in Belle Glade Palm Beach Commissioners took sugar money. Then they voted to approve Big Sugar’s rock mine VoteWater's Gil Smart testifies at the Palm Beach County hearing on the Southland rock mine, May 22. Last week Palm Beach County Commissioners voted to approve the rezoning request for the Southland rock mine on 8,600 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area owned by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals. VoteWater’s Gil Smart (above) was one of more than three dozen people who spoke in opposition; here’s a link to the text of his comments; here’s video of him addressing the commissioners (fast-forward to 3:34:00). And here’s a link to a video Gil shot for social media explaining how “dirty money” was likely a factor in why commissioners voted the way they did: Five of the seven Palm Beach County commissioners have gotten campaign cash from Big Sugar: Mayor Maria G. Marino and commissioners Gregg Weiss, Joel Flores, Bobby Powell and Maria Sachs (though as Gil notes, Sachs was not present for the vote). This is, of course, the way it works. Sugar money “cultivates” decision-makers long before any decision needs to be made, and ensures elected officials will “keep an open mind” on Sugar’s proposals. Then, if they vote the way Big Sugar wants you to — why, they could see EVEN MORE Sugar money next time they run for office! But last week’s hearing wasn’t the final word. The South Florida Water Management District will host a hearing on the project in Belle Glade this Thursday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Will Museum. JOIN US THERE AND GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT IF POSSIBLE! Given the proximity of the proposed rock mine to the EAA Reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must also sign off on the plan. So stay tuned; and for the latest updates follow us on social media: Facebook, X and Instagram. WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU - SUPPORT VOTEWATER DeSantis signs; state parks saved You did it. WE did it! On May 22, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 209, the State Park Preservation Act — a major win for conservation advocates across Florida. This landmark legislation bans destructive commercial developments like hotels, golf courses and sports fields in Florida’s state parks, protecting these vital ecosystems from exploitation. Sparked by public outrage over proposals — demonstrations, emails, phone calls from YOU and other advocates, the bill passed unanimously. HB 209 also requires public hearings and at least 30 days' notice before any proposed land use changes, ensuring community voices remain central in park decisions. The law takes effect July 1; it stands as a critical safeguard for Florida’s natural heritage — and a major win for the conservation community. So thank you for all you’ve done — and let’s keep doing it! You've seen the damage. You know the truth From weakened regulations to unchecked development, bad policies are fueling the toxic algal blooms, fish kills and declining water clarity you’ve witnessed from the bow of your boat. These aren’t just environmental issues - they’re economic and cultural threats to the fishing and boating communities that define Florida. VoteWater is fighting back by: ✅ Holding political leaders accountable ✅ Fighting the influence of “dirty money” in politics ✅ Supporting science-based policies to curb nutrient pollution ✅ Mobilizing boaters, anglers, and locals to speak up Join us. Because clean water needs a political champion — and that champion is YOU DONATE TO VOTEWATER BECOME A MEMBER   VoteWater | 3727 SE Ocean Blvd. Suite 200A | Stuart, FL 34996 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice