VoteWater Statements
2024 was a big year for the clean-water cause, marked by elections, the publication of our “Dirty Money Project,” a huge controversy over a plan to develop Florida’s state parks and more. Here’s a look at where VoteWater made an…
Hey, remember JTL? We do. Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch was a solid advocate for the Treasure Coast region during her time on the South Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board, often agitating — politely — for clean-water solutions for her community. But…
In a Miami courtroom earlier this week, sleaze lost. In a trial that “showed the underbelly of Florida politics” (as the Miami Herald put it), Former GOP Senator Frank Artiles (shown at left) was found guilty on charges of campaign…
By now you may know the name of James Gaddis, the Florida DEP whistleblower who leaked the plan to “develop” Florida’s state parks. Gaddis, as you probably also know, was fired by FDEP for revealing the plan, which Gov. Ron…
The roar of outrage that greeted Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to develop our state parks was a sight to behold. For the time being, at least, we won; the outcry forced DeSantis to hit the brakes. But make no mistake,…
Update: As of 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has POSTPONED all public meetings around the state on its “Great Outdoors Initiative” and hopes to reschedule them the week of Sept. 2 at larger venues,…
At VoteWater we focus on “dirty money” because politicians who take money from polluting special interests are more likely to vote for those special interests, and against clean water. There’s a direct correlation. Our “Dirty Money Project” — tracking campaign…
Welcome to “Meet VoteWater,” an occasional feature spotlighting the people behind the advocacy. VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart always wanted to live at the beach. But when the Pennsylvania native moved his family to Martin County during the algae-clogged “Lost…
It’s election time, and you know what that means: Lots of bullsugar going on. Specifically, we’re getting reports of potential “ghost candidates” popping up around the region, including in Martin County, where long-time commissioner Doug Smith will benefit from a…