VoteWater, a South Florida clean-water advocacy group, has endorsed Amanda Cochran for Lee County Commissioner, District 5.

“Growth in Lee County is outpacing infrastructure and threatens wetlands, waterways and the natural beauty so many residents cherish,” said VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart. “Amanda Cochran understands the need to safeguard our natural resources and protect rural areas and established communities from inappropriate development.”

“She’s also an advocate for transparent, accountable government that serves the people rather than special interests,” said Smart.

In accepting the endorsement, Cochran said: 

“Clean water, responsible growth, and a strong economy are not competing priorities — they are inseparable. If we fail to protect our water resources, we risk the very quality of life that makes Lee County such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Cochran, a sixth-generation Lee County resident and lifelong Republican, has been involved in efforts to preserve rural areas of Lee County like her hometown of Alva. She has consistently raised concerns about development approvals that outpace roads, stormwater systems, and other critical infrastructure, and recognizes the connection between growth management and water quality. She’s also promoted the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands that play a vital role in water quality, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and aquifer recharge.

“Waterways, wetlands, and natural lands are part of our identity. Once they are lost, they cannot simply be replaced,” she said. “We have a duty to be good stewards of the resources that make this community special.”

The District 5 primary will be a countywide open primary where all eligible Lee County voters can cast their ballot regardless of party affiliation. A write-in candidate who could have closed the election to just Republican voters failed to qualify. 

Cochran is a local business owner and long-time community volunteer whose campaign also addresses public safety, affordability and the need for open and accountable government.

“Public officials who answer to developers before constituents have forgotten who they work for,” said VoteWater’s Smart. “Amanda Cochran knows that protecting a community’s natural resources isn’t an obstacle to progress — it’s the job. And that’s why she’s our pick in the Aug. 18 primary.”

Said Cochran: “Our water is our heritage, our economy, and our future. I am honored to have VoteWater’s support in this campaign to keep Lee County a place where future generations can enjoy the same Florida we were fortunate enough to inherit.”

Headquartered in Stuart, VoteWater is a 501(c)(4) organization which works to inspire Floridians to demand leaders and policies that promote clean water.