VoteWater Statements

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,…

Legal challenge filed to halt Big Sugar’s rock mine

August 13, 2025

The Florida DEP planned to issue an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) for the first phase of the Southland Water Resource Project project this week; but on Monday the Everglades Law Center filed a legal challenge to halt the project, acting…

Rock mine could get DEP permit Aug. 11 unless ‘Everglades Governor’ steps in

August 8, 2025

Barring some legal challenge, the Florida DEP (“Don’t Expect Protection”) is scheduled to issue its permit for Phase 1 of the Southland rock mine project on Aug. 11 — and the one person who can stop it, Gov. Ron DeSantis,…

Sugar smackdown: Former Congressman calls out ‘oligarchy’

July 31, 2025

That’s gonna leave a mark! Former Florida Congressman Francis Rooney (at right) slapped Big Sugar with a rhetorical 2×4 last week, calling out the industry — and the Trump Administration — for pushing policies that reward their political cronies while…

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…

Did ‘dirty money’ help win ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ contracts?

July 10, 2025

What we are witnessing, with “Alligator Alcatraz,” is a master class in how “dirty money” works. As multiple media outlets have reported, several companies involved in the construction and operation of the Everglades detention center have donated to Gov. Ron…

We oppose “Alligator Alcatraz.” Here’s why – and what we’re doing about it.

July 3, 2025

VoteWater opposes ‘Alligator Alcatraz,” and we’re working to stop it. VoteWater and its partners sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier urging them to halt this ill-advised project. We are helping to marshall opposition to further construction…

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