Articles by: Gil Smart
Despite a failed lawsuit and years of scrutiny, Florida’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund still funds routine agency expenses — even as $750 million meant for conservation sits uncommitted. A DirecTV subscription, 1,000 camouflage baseball caps and a display booth at…
Most people assume political giving is simple: a polluting industry gives money to politicians who can help it get what it wants. But often, industry donors avoid giving directly to a campaign and instead give to a politician’s PAC (political…
VoteWater has endorsed four candidates running for office in Martin County. Endorsees include Christopher Collins, Martin County Board of County Commissioners, District 2; Sarah Heard, Martin County Board of County Commissioners, District 4; Campbell Rich, City of Stuart Commission, Group…
One of Florida’s most powerful special interests is pouring some sugar on Attorney General James Uthmeier. State campaign finance records show that U.S. Sugar has donated $50,000 to Uthmeier’s “Friends of James Uthmeier” political action committee twice so far this year:…
Last week’s South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting featured a discussion about the upcoming budget that suggested the district is being stretched thin — and that could have ramifications for Everglades restoration. The district, which serves some 9…
Jim DeFede, reporter with CBS News Miami, ripped Florida Attorney General James Uthmeieir a new one last week as “Alligator Alcatraz” shut down — and Uthmeier was nowhere to be found. It was Uthmeier, DeFede reminded us, who came up…
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…
Due to the fact they had no competition — either in the August primary nor the November general elections — several south Florida lawmakers have already been “reelected.” From the Miami Herald: “In Miami-Dade County, incumbent Republican Reps. Demi Busatta…
The Florida Legislature last week passed a revised version of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax cut plan, sending a proposed constitutional amendment to the November ballot. If 60% of voters approve, it’ll be a windfall for homeowners — and a…
Recent news reports show detainee numbers dropping and equipment being hauled out of the Everglades detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. Gov. Ron DeSantis has acknowledged the facility — which he claims was always meant to be temporary — could…