2024 was a big year for the clean-water cause, marked by elections, the publication of our “Dirty Money Project,” a huge controversy over a plan to develop Florida’s state parks and more. Here’s a look at where VoteWater made an impact, thanks to your support.

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IN 2024 WE PUBLISHED OUR LANDMARK “DIRTY MONEY PROJECT,” a massive database showing how polluting industries like Big Sugar shower politicians with campaign cash in order to get what they want. The project has gotten hundreds of thousands of views online and generated big-time media attention; most importantly, it’s been a resource for voters who want to know how much money their local politicians are taking from polluters — and how that affects policy.

And there’s more to come in 2025 — stay tuned.

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IN 2024 WE HELPED STOP THE DISASTROUS PLAN TO PAVE OUR STATE PARKS. VoteWater played a key role in the defeat of a proposal to develop Florida’s State Parks; Executive Director Gil Smart (shown speaking at a Stuart rally against the plan) was quoted prominently in media reports on the controversy; our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram) helped inform and marshal opposition, with thousands of “likes” and shares.

Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew the proposal in response to the opposition, but he indicated it could resurface in 2025. If it does — VoteWater will be there.

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IN 2024 WE PUT PRESSURE ON OFFICIALS TO STOP LAKE O DISCHARGES: When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began discharging water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries on Feb. 17, VoteWater immediately called for lawmakers to take a public stand against the discharges; we hosted a town hall meeting in Sewall’s Point in early March where angry residents could vent their concerns and seek solutions; and our “Lake Okeechobee Discharge Ticker” and other social media efforts turned up the heat on decision-makers. Ultimately the discharges were halted April 13 — and our opposition, and yours, played a role in the decision to shut the gates.

With a new round of discharges set to start Dec. 7 as the Corps puts the lake in “Recovery Mode,” our voices are needed now more than ever.

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IN 2024 WE ENDORSED CLEAN-WATER CANDIDATES: Three of the five political candidates VoteWater endorsed during the 2024 cycle won — Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was re-elected, as was Congressman Brian Mast; and in Islamorada, we backed Steve Friedman in his winning bid for Village Council.

Better policy-makers lead to better policy — and VoteWater will continue to focus on educating voters and helping them elect clean-water candidates who will fight for our waterways.

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IN 2024 WE HELPED PUSH LOSOM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE: For more than five years VoteWater pushed for a better Lake Okeechobee water management plan, attending meetings, making public comment and marshaling public support to cut discharges and minimize harm to the northern estuaries. The resulting Lake Okeehobee System Operating Manual finally took effect in August.

It isn’t perfect, as shown by the fact “Recovery Operations” (discharges) will begin Dec. 7. But over time it should lead to a decrease in damaging discharges and guarantee the lake is managed more equitably.

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IN 2024 WE LOBBIED FOR CLEANER WATER AND TRACKED THEIR DIRTY-WATER BILLS: We took our clean-water message directly to elected officials both in Tallahassee and here at home, asking them to do more to protect our waterways.

We also kept close tabs on bills moving through the Florida Legislature, flagging bad bills and asking supporters to speak out. Many did, and that played a role in derailing some of the worst bills of the 2024 session.

We’ll be even more vigilant in 2025, and we hope you’ll be right there beside us!

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IN 2024 OUR “DEEP DIVE” INVESTIGATIONS KEPT YOU INFORMED ABOUT CRUCIAL CLEAN-WATER ISSUES: Our ongoing series looked at the role hurricanes play in boosting harmful algal blooms; how the cost to maintain clean-water infrastructure south of Lake Okeechobee is going up even as Big Sugar’s share of the bill goes down; we analyzed the modest rebound in Indian River Lagoon seagrass to see if it will prove to be sustainable, and more.

Our investigative reports fill a niche largely abandoned by traditional media organizations. Knowledge is power, and we’re committed to giving supporters the in-depth info they need to grasp the issues — and demand change.

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There’s more to come in 2025. And this giving season, please consider donating to VoteWater; your generosity can help us aim higher, punch harder and make an even bigger difference for our fragile, invaluable waterways.