Guess whose helping Trump build that White House ballroom?

President Donald Trump’s decision to tear down the White House’s East Wing and build a huge ballroom has been hugely controversial; but in fact the President had some help in the form of donors contributing to the cause.

And take a wild guess who we found on that donor list.

From the Tampa Bay Times:

J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul

J. Pepe Fanjul is part of the powerful family behind Florida Crystals Corp., a massive sugar cane growing and refining operation with a major foothold in Palm Beach County. 

Fanjul is Florida Crystals’ vice chairman, chief operating officer and president. His brother, Alfonso Fanjul, is CEO. Both brothers also head Fanjul Corp. Emilia Fanjul is Pepe Fanjul’s wife. 

The piece goes on to note that earlier this year Fanjul reportedly helped convince Trump to push American soda makers to use sugar cane (like the stuff grown by the Fanjuls!) instead of high-fructose corn syrup.

The exact amount the Fanjuls (or any other donor) gave to “remodel” the White House has not been disclosed. But for Big Sugar — it’s just the cost of doing business as usual.

Deep Dive: Algaecides:

Killing toxic algae… and more?

It’s been several years since the South Florida Water Management District added a new tool to its toolbox to fight toxic algae blooms: algaecide, specifically a product called Lake Guard Oxy. The chemical essentially utilizes hydrogen peroxide to break down blue-green algae blooms, and by most accounts it works wonders. But it must be used according to strict guidelines; if not, it can inflict real harm on the ecosystems we’re trying to protect.

Our latest Deep Dive takes a closer look at these chemicals, how they’re being used, how they might be misused — and how chemical "Band-Aids" might tempt public officials to ignore the real work of reducing nutrient pollution in our waterways.

VoteWater joins coalition demanding fix to Senate Bill 180

Senate Bill 180, passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, was supposed to be about hurricane relief. Instead, it was yet another sop to developers, jam-packed with new restrictions on local governments’ ability to adopt stronger land-use and development rules — even when those rules have nothing to do with hurricane recovery.

But proponents of smarter growth have responded: VoteWater has joined 60 other conservation organizations asking the Legislature to repeal portions of SB 180. Click here to read the letter.

Local governments have filed lawsuits to block the legislation; conservation group 1000 Friends of Florida filed its own lawsuit. And there are early indications that key legislators are listening - and this bad law could be fixed.

Reckless development leads to dirtier water; that’s why we oppose it. You can do the same by clicking here and asking your legislator to fix SB 180.

ICYMI: VoteWater endorses 2

South Florida candidates

It’s an off-election year but key races are taking place in local communities throughout Florida — and clean water begins at home!

VoteWater has endorsed two candidates this cycle: Ken Russell for Mayor of Miami, and Omar Jimenez for Miami Beach Commission Group 1. Both candidates have stressed the importance of clean water on the campaign trail, and understand the importance of healthy waterways to the region’s economy, ecosystems, real estate values and quality of life. Read our endorsement of Russell here; and our endorsement of Jimenez here.

Bottom line, we think all Florida political candidates at the local, state and federal level need to focus on clean water. And those who do can earn our endorsement!

Dirty Money: Q3 updates show politicians are still taking plenty of it

We’re nearly done updating our “Dirty Money” database to reflect Q3 contributions — and we’re (un)happy to report that Florida politicians continue to take tons of special-interest campaign cash. Check out how much your local south Florida elected officials have taken by clicking the button below.

This is what we're fighting for

A father and son fishing together, making memories. It's an integral part of growing up in Florida; but this rite of passage is threatened by increasingly polluted waterways.

At VoteWater, we fight for a future where every Floridian can enjoy our rivers, lakes, and coasts. Your support powers that fight — helping us hold polluters accountable, push for smarter policies, and elect leaders who put clean water first.

Become a WaveMaker!