VoteWater · [email protected]

December 2, 2025 at 1:04 PM

Your support helped VoteWater make an impact in 2025!

Email from VoteWater on Giving Tuesday, a list our our accomplishments - and a look ahead     Please support VoteWater on Giving Tuesday! DONATE TO VOTEWATER Here's how we made an impact in 2025 thanks to your support At VoteWater, we fight for smarter policies — and leaders with the backbone to sta…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 12:04 PM

This is how VoteWater made an impact in 2024

Email from VoteWater on Giving Tuesday, a list our our accomplishments - and a look ahead     Please support VoteWater on Giving Tuesday! DONATE TO VOTEWATER Here's where we made an impact in 2024, thanks to your support IN 2024 WE PUBLISHED OUR LANDMARK “DIRTY MONEY PROJECT,” a massive database sho…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 26, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Why is the Treasure Coast seat on SFWMD board still vacant?

Email from VoteWater Also: Our 'Discharge Ticker' returns; and a look at how one Florida down voted out incumbents - and how you could do the same When will this SFWMD seat be filled? Hey, remember JTL? We do. Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch was a dogged advocate for the Treasure Coast region during her tim…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 6:50 PM

Discharge plan will help Lake O by hurting St. Lucie, Caloosahatchee

Email from VoteWater U.S. Army Corps to begin 'Recovery Operations' to lower the lake; but at what cost? Lake O 'Recovery' means harmful discharges coming soon Lake Okeechobee is in rough shape; the water level remains above 16 feet, submerged aquatic vegetation has died off and the lake ecology is …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 14, 2024 at 12:01 PM

Would Rubio's replacement fight for cleaner water?

Email from VoteWater Also: Change at FDEP could spell trouble; and how Everglades restoration could help in red tide fight Rubio's replacement: Who will fight for clean water, Everglades restoration? Looks like Sen. Marco Rubio could be moving on up. And that could have a big impact on the clean-wat…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 6, 2024 at 5:59 PM

Election reax: Who won, who lost, and what it means for clean water

Email from VoteWater VoteWater goes 2-for-2 on endorsements; but the dirty-water status quo remains intact Election reax: Congrats to the winners; and what now for clean water? Congratulations to Congressman Brian Mast and Islamorada Village Councilman-elect Steve Friedman, who won their races last …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Election Day: Go vote! (If you haven't already)

Email from VoteWater A recap of VoteWater endorsements and more If you haven't already voted... Vote for cleaner water today! Media report show more than 8 million Floridians cast early ballots this year. If you weren't one of them — today is the day! WHEN ARE THE POLLS OPEN?: From 7 a.m to 7 p.m. W…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Election special: recapping our endorsements and a look ahead

Email from VoteWater Also: Deep Dive - hurricanes and HABs, what's the connection?   Election day is nigh; are you ready? Happy Halloween — this year we’re going as clean water in Florida, no one will recognize us! ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, Nov. 5 EARLY VOTING: Going on now, check your local Supervisor…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 23, 2024 at 11:01 AM

How much "dirty money" has phosphate mining industry given?

Email from VoteWater In wake of Tampa Bay spill, a look at how industry doles out millions to decision-makers   Pollution spill? Dirty Money will clean that right up! Item: Officials with Tampa-based phosphate company Mosaic’s facility in Riverview said earlier this month that an unknown amount of p…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 17, 2024 at 8:16 PM

VoteWater's 'Dirty Money Project' making news across Florida

Email from VoteWater Media coverage details efforts to show how dirty money to dirty politicians creates dirty water   Dirty Money Project in the news VoteWater’s “Dirty Money Project” is making headlines across the Sunshine State. First, Executive Director Gil Smart’s Oct. 4 op-ed in the Miami Hera…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 16, 2024 at 12:02 PM

VoteWater endorses Brian Mast for Congress

Email from VoteWater Also: Post-hurricane season, will the Florida Legislature do the right thing? VoteWater endorses Brian Mast for Congress VoteWater, a South Florida clean-water advocacy group, has endorsed U.S. Rep. Brian Mast for Congress. Mast, a Republican seeking his fifth term, has been end…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 7, 2024 at 3:55 PM

With Milton approaching, have a hurricane plan - and a voting plan

Email from VoteWater Stay safe Florida Have a hurricane plan. And have a voting plan. As Florida struggles to recover from Hurricane Helene even as Hurricane Milton approaches, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has official updates and info on Milton at FloridaDisaster.org. Check it out. …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

October 3, 2024 at 11:01 AM

Manatee babies are dying - but could it be a sign of recovery?

Also: VoteWater endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell over Rick Scott; and digging into Wilton Simpson's 'Dirty Money' Manatee babies are dying; believe it or not, that may be a sign of recovery So far this year, 133 baby manatee have been found dead in Florida, a mortality rate more than twice the five-y…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

September 25, 2024 at 1:35 PM

Stay safe: Here comes Helene

As storm bears down, impacts will be felt statewide 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…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

September 23, 2024 at 1:27 PM

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

Has taken no money from Big Sugar; Rick Scott has taken more than $800,000 this cycle 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 com…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

September 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Why has no one been held accountable for state parks fiasco?

FDEP: Friend or foe? Also: A 'Deep Dive' into the growing blue-green algae problem; and a look at how much "Dirty Money" Sen. Rick Scott has gotten FDEP: Friend or foe? Why has no one been held accountable for state parks fiasco? Here’s a question for you: Did Florida DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton kn…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

September 10, 2024 at 11:02 AM

The Dirty Money Project is live

How much did your elected officials get from polluting industries?   The Dirty Money Project is live How much did your elected officials get? Welcome to VoteWater’s Dirty Money Project, now live at votewater.org/dirty-money. We’ve gathered data on more than 130 elected officials at the federal, stat…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

September 5, 2024 at 11:03 AM

Coming this month: The Dirty Money Project

Also: Time for an investigation into the DeSantis 'Parksgate' fiasco   Coming in September: The Dirty Money Project On the heels of the recent “Parksgate” fiasco — the attempt to build golf courses and massive hotels in Florida state parks — you may be cynical about our political leadership. You ma…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 28, 2024 at 5:29 PM

UPDATE: DeSantis blinks on disastrous state parks plan

Governor claims he never approved proposal, wants more public input before restarting the hearing process next year   He blinked: DeSantis backs down on disastrous state parks plan You did it! Just a day after huge crowds of Floridians flocked to rallies around the state demanding Gov. Ron DeSantis …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 28, 2024 at 5:22 PM

We're pushing back hard on disastrous state parks plan - and you can help

VoteWater helps rally community against plan to develop golf courses, huge hotels and more in state parks   He blinked: DeSantis backs down on disastrous state parks plan You did it! Just a day after huge crowds of Floridians flocked to rallies around the state demanding Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Fl…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 21, 2024 at 5:58 PM

Election reaction; and terrible plans for Florida state parks and new EAA Reservoir STA

'Dirty money' didn't carry these incumbents; and do we really need golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?   Post-election reax: DLC wins big; growth concerns trump 'dirty money' In Florida’s primary election Tuesday, incumbent Miami-Dade Mayor (and VoteWater endorsee!) Daniella Levine Cava c…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 19, 2024 at 7:02 PM

Florida’s primary: Our Miami-Dade endorsements and more

Plus: How "dirty money" and "ghost candidates" can sway a race   Florida’s primary: Our Miami-Dade endorsements and more Tomorrow is a big day for the clean-water cause, so get out there and Vote Water! In Miami-Dade County, that means voting for incumbent Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and challenger …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Find out how much 'dirty money' your county commissioner candidates got

There's a direct correlation between dirty money and policies that create dirty water Digging for 'dirty money' How to figure out how much your county commission candidates got At VoteWater we focus on “dirty money” because politicians who take money from polluting special interests are more likely…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 1, 2024 at 11:01 AM

Development money floods Martin County races; guess what comes next?

Know who's bankrolling your local candidates - and vote accordingly You get what you pay for - and that's why developers give so much Dear VoteWater supporter: I once had a former county commissioner say to me: “They can say ‘no,' you know.” That is, he was pointing out that county commissioners thr…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 29, 2024 at 4:19 PM

VoteWater endorses Levine Cava, Lerner in Miami-Dade

"We need more water warriors in Miami-Dade and throughout Florida"   VoteWater endorses Daniella Levine Cava, Cindy Lerner in Miami Dade VoteWater has issued its first endorsements of the 2024 election cycle, backing Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Cindy Lerner, candidate for the District …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM

UPDATE: Big Sugar spends even more on '24 elections than we thought!

Industry has doled out $5.3 million to candidates and PACs this cycle, with months to go Yikes - 'Dirty money' from Big Sugar is even worse than we thought! Dear reader: We goofed! There’s even more Big Sugar campaign cash out there than we thought! Due to a glitch in the search process, we underrep…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 25, 2024 at 11:02 AM

Who's getting Big Sugar cash this election season? We've got the list

Industry doles out $4.2 million to state lawmakers, candidates and PACs Big Sugar spending $4.2 million on 2024 state elections - here's who's getting it It’s election season and the “Dirty Money” is flowing like water. Or sugar. As of July 12, Florida’s sugar industry had donated at least $4.2 mill…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Deep Dive: Lagoon seagrass rebounding - but will it last?

Also: A look at developer dollars that could sway a county commission race in Martin County Deep Dive: IRL seagrass is coming back. We don't know why or how long it will last Our latest "Deep Dive" reports some fantastic news: Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon appears to be making a comeback, with…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 11, 2024 at 11:02 AM

"I didn't come to paradise to watch it be destroyed"

Also: A look at the growing algae bloom on Lake Okeechobee - and what that could mean in the coming months. VoteWater's Gil Smart speaks with South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member Cheryl Meads during an outing on the St. Lucie River. Meet VoteWater’s Gil Smart: ‘I didn’t com…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 2, 2024 at 12:01 PM

Speaking clean-water truth to power

Our pledge: We'll use every tool in the toolbox to fight for cleaner water Please support our work   VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart speaks with South Florida Water Management District Governing Board member Cheryl Meads during a May outing on the St. Lucie River. Photo: Leah Voss At VoteWate…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

June 27, 2024 at 11:01 AM

Ghost candidates: We call bullsugar!

In Martin County and Miami-Dade, more attempts to disenfranchise and confuse voters - and it's all legal Donate to VoteWater 'Ghost candidates': We call bullsugar It’s election time, and you know what that means: Lots of bullsugar going on. Specifically, we’re getting reports of potential “ghost can…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

June 20, 2024 at 11:01 AM

Big Sugar gives big bucks to Rick Scott

Huge donations to incumbent show who the industry wants in Senate seat Donate to VoteWater 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 whil…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

June 13, 2024 at 11:01 AM

Election time is drawing near - do you know who your clean-water candidates are?

Also: How the 'sprawl' industry writes its own rules - and what you can do about it Visit our Website Clean water starts at the ballot box: State qualifying period ends Friday By Friday we’ll know for sure who’s running for state and county office in Florida this year. The 2nd qualifying period for …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

May 30, 2024 at 11:01 AM

We can have clean water or we can have "Dirty Money" - but not both

Sneak peek: How PACs help special interests game the system - and pollute our waters How special interests pollute our politics with almost unlimited amounts of 'dirty money' It's like a dirty money merry-go-round. Let's say you're Big Sugar, and you want to lavish money on the compliant legislators…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

February 8, 2024 at 12:04 PM

Why is Big Sugar STILL taking potshots at LOSOM?

LOSOM process took five years and it still hasn't been enacted - do sugar interests think they can still change it?   Aerial pic of Lake Okeechobee algae bloom in 2018 courtesy Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch So whatever happened to LOSOM? (And why is Big Sugar STILL trying to game the outcome?) Hm. Seems w…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

November 27, 2023 at 12:05 PM

Here's where VoteWater made an impact in 2023 - thanks to you

on Giving Tuesday, a list our our accomplishments - and a look ahead     Here's where we made an impact in 2023, thanks to your support An osprey launches from a tree branch from an island in the Indian River Lagoon on Oct. 18, 2023, in Martin County. Photo by Leah Voss At VoteWater, we fight for b…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

August 23, 2023 at 4:00 PM

VoteWater Deep Dive: These chemical treatments kill toxic algae - but what else do they kill?

Algaecides show promise, but more study needed to ensure they're safe VoteWater Deep Dive: This chemical treatment kills toxic algae - but is it safe? Florida water management officials are increasingly relying on a peroxide-like chemical to kill and dissipate toxic algae blooms. But despite assura…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 25, 2023 at 1:26 PM

RESEND: Seagrass returning to the Indian River Lagoon... or is it?

Recovery is tenuous; here's what we need to do to make it permanent Editor's note: Due to a technical error, some subscribers did not receive this morning's newsletter, and/or could not access our website, so we are resending. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your support - VoteWater Vot…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

July 25, 2023 at 11:03 AM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Seagrass returning to the Indian River Lagoon... or is it?

Recovery is tenuous; here's what we need to do to make it permanent VoteWater Deep Dive: Seagrass is back in the Indian River Lagoon... or is it? With minimal discharges from Lake Okeechobee, crucial seagrass beds in the southern Indian River Lagoon are growing again; and the northern lagoon is sho…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

June 15, 2023 at 11:02 AM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Why toxic algae on Lake O will be a problem every single year

As we continue to add new nutrients to an already overloaded lake, the problem will get even worse Why 'toxic summers' on Lake O are the new normal You know those massive algal blooms that cover much of Lake Okeechobee each spring and summer? The ones that threaten the St. Lucie River and Caloosaha…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

May 31, 2023 at 11:01 AM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Are we ready for the next toxic algae crisis?

Officials have a better plan to identify, test and warn the public about toxic blooms - but is it enough? Are we ready for another toxic algae crisis? If this summer brings toxic algae blooms to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, are state agencies ready, willing and able to find the toxin…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

May 11, 2023 at 11:01 AM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Deep doo-doo: What is Florida going to do with all this sewage sludge?

The more clean uses that can be developed for the state’s increasing biosolids problem, the better. Deep doo-doo: What is Florida going to do with all this sewage sludge? The Florida Legislature has taken a step to address one of the state’s nastiest and fastest-growing environmental problems. The …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

April 20, 2023 at 11:01 AM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Will septic-to-sewer conversions solve our water quality problems?

Is the costly process of switching from septic to sewer worth the money? Will septic-to-sewer conversions solve our water quality problems? Nobody likes to think about what happens after they flush the toilet. But that out-of-sight-out-of-mind waste can cause serious problems to Florida’s environme…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

March 10, 2023 at 12:01 PM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Big Ag’s big pollution is a big problem for Florida

In many basins, the biggest source of pollution is agriculture. Big Ag's big pollution is a big problem for Florida The question was simple, the answer complicated. But it needn’t have been. In late January Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, gave …

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

February 16, 2023 at 12:01 PM

The sprawl industry is pushing for more reckless growth — with plenty of inside help

The “Session of Sprawl” is upon us.   The sprawl industry is pushing for more reckless growth — with plenty of inside help __________________________________ The “Session of Sprawl” is upon us. With nearly a month to go before the 2023 Legislative session officially begins, several bills have been f…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

February 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Ready for a toxic algae ‘superbloom’ on Lake O this spring?

Could we see a repeat of 2018 this year?   'Superbloom' on Lake Okeechobee this spring? __________________________________ Toxic blue-green algae blooms on Lake Okeechobee are becoming a yearly occurrence. And this year’s bloom could be a doozy. We could see a repeat of 2018, when a “superbloom” cov…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

February 2, 2023 at 12:03 PM

Should Florida put a lid on population growth to retain a ‘quality environment?’

Florida averages about 808 new residents per day. Should Florida put a lid on population growth to retain a 'quality environment?' Please Donate! The words practically jump off the page. “There is a limit to the number of people which the South Florida basin can support and at the same time maintai…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

January 24, 2023 at 12:02 PM

As Lake O discharges to St. Lucie begin, here’s what we need to end them once and for all

Unlike the Caloosahatchee, the St. Lucie never needs water from Lake O As Lake O discharges to the St. Lucie begin, here's what we need to end them once and for all The mood at the Rivers Coalition meeting in Stuart Jan. 19 was upbeat, almost triumphant. Gov. Ron DeSantis had issued an executive or…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

January 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM

VoteWater Deep Dive: Why can’t we send more water south?

Because the system was designed to benefit Big Agriculture - at the expense of the northern estuaries Why can't we send more water south? It’s been a common refrain from angry citizens along the algae-clogged St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries for years: Send it south! But even though Florida h…

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  VoteWater · [email protected]

January 17, 2023 at 7:01 PM

DeSantis’ executive order on water: The good, the unclear and the political

What’s really in Executive Order 23-06, and will it be the game-changer DeSantis claims? DeSantis' executive order on water: The good, the unclear and the political Gov. Ron DeSantis’s Executive Order 23-06, issued Jan. 11, was a watershed moment in the history of Florida water politics — no pun in…

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