Alligator Alcatraz

Big Sugar is sweet on Uthmeier

July 23, 2026

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:…

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is your legacy, Mr. Uthmeier

July 9, 2026

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…

As Alligator Alcatraz winds down, voters can hold its architect accountable

June 4, 2026

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…

Alligator Alcatraz: ‘Efficient, low-cost’ debacle is Uthmeier’s folly

May 14, 2026

On July 1, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted on X to celebrate his masterpiece. “Alligator Alcatraz = efficient and cost effective. It’s a one stop shop for immigration enforcement,” he crowed. One stop shop for fleecing Florida taxpayers…

Alligator Alcatraz: Setting a dangerous precedent?

February 12, 2026

The Everglades immigrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is damaging enough in its own right, inflicting untold harms on the site and the greater Everglades ecosystem. But more damaging over the long haul may be the legal precedent being…

2025 Impact Report: How your support helped VoteWater make a difference

December 2, 2025

It’s been quite a year. It began with the battle over the future of Florida’s state parks and Big Sugar’s proposed rock mine in the Everglades Agricultural Area. It concludes, now, with a new EPA proposal to eliminate crucial wetlands…

DeSantis and the Everglades: What will be his legacy?

September 11, 2025

We’ve recounted many times how Gov. DeSantis came into office with a bang, replaced the entire South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, appointed red tide and blue-green algae task forces and set about securing massive funding for Everglades restoration.…

VoteWater asks appeals court to deny stay in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ lawsuit

September 3, 2025

VoteWater has joined a coalition of Florida conservation organizations asking a federal appeals court to affirm a lower court ruling that effectively shuts down “Alligator Alcatraz.” Attorneys with The Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment at…

Defiant Uthmeier vows to keep Alligator Alcatraz open – even as state winds it down

August 28, 2025

Pardon us, but what is wrong with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier? A week after a federal judge ordered the state to wind down activity at “Alligator Alcatraz,” it looked like the Florida was complying. Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director…

Alligator Alcatraz: What was the point?

August 20, 2025

As of this writing, U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Williams has not yet ruled on whether to shut down “Alligator Alcatraz” so a proper environmental review can be done as required by federal law. That ruling is expected today. Meanwhile,…

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