Articles

New bill would help developers intimidate local regulators

October 17, 2025

Given the continued breakneck pace of growth in Florida, we highly doubt that rogue local government regulators are roaming Florida, coming down like a ton of unjust bricks on the head of poor, persecuted developers. But you might be tempted…

Dirty Money: Big Sugar campaign cash nears $2.5 million in 2025

October 16, 2025

Statewide elections are still a year away — but Florida’s sugar industry continues to spend like there’s no tomorrow. The latest state campaign finance data shows that Big Sugar has given at least $2.48 million in “dirty money” — political…

Will the Florida Legislature protect clean water in 2026?

October 9, 2025

The Florida Legislature is soon in session, and we’d like to think clean water will be atop the 2026 agenda. We’re not putting money on it, though, so we’ll be watching our lawmakers very closely this session – and we…

‘Dirty money’ at work: Florida buys 4 acres for a whopping $83 million from big political donor

October 2, 2025

During the 2025 budget negotiations, state legislative leaders pleaded poverty and stiffed Florida’s marquee land acquisition program, Florida Forever, allocating just $18 million. But turns out the state actually has plenty of money to spend on land conservation — so long…

About that study showing Lake O is the ‘dirtiest’ in the nation…

September 26, 2025

Last week we reported on a new study showing Lake O is the dirtiest lake in America; we had our doubts about the methodology but agree that the lake has big problems — which are going to require big fixes. Now, “official”…

‘Water Warrior’ mayor defangs enviro watchdog

September 26, 2025

We’ve been supporters of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who’s styled herself as a “Water Warrior” and sometimes even shows up at events with the phrase emblazoned on a cape. We need more politicians willing to wear their dedication to…

Is Lake Okeechobee the dirtiest lake in America?

September 18, 2025

Just how dirty is Lake Okeechobee? Rental company Lake.com thinks it may be the dirtiest in the nation. Using federal chemical data from 2020 through July 2025, the study ranked 46 of the nation’s biggest lakes on their “total pollution…

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…

Ag Secretary visits Clewiston as Big Sugar billionaires get richer

July 24, 2025

No doubt about it — one of the big winners in the President’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” was Big Sugar. And U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit to Clewiston Monday proved it. Rollins met with Big Sugar employees…

Alligator Alcatraz: When Political Theater Costs Millions

July 17, 2025

When the Florida Legislature passed a budget last month that cut spending by 3%, elected leaders crowed. “Floridians,” said Senate President Ben Albritton, “expect us to spend their tax dollars wisely.” Absolutely. But what about “Alligator Alcatraz?” While Florida Attorney…

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