Last week Palm Beach County Commissioners voted to approve the rezoning request for the Southland rock mine on 8,600 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area owned by U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals.

VoteWater’s Gil Smart (above) was one of more than three dozen people who spoke in opposition; here’s a link to the text of his comments; here’s video of him addressing the commissioners (fast-forward to 3:34:00).

And here’s a link to a video Gil shot for social media explaining how “dirty money” was likely a factor in why commissioners voted the way they did.

In fact, five of the seven Palm Beach County commissioners have gotten campaign cash from Big Sugar: Mayor Maria G. Marino and commissioners Gregg Weiss, Joel Flores, Bobby Powell and Maria Sachs (though as Gil notes, Sachs was not present for the vote).

This is, of course, the way it works. Sugar money “cultivates” decision-makers long before any decision needs to be made, and ensures elected officials will “keep an open mind” on Sugar’s proposals.

Then, if they vote the way Big Sugar wants you to — why, they could see EVEN MORE Sugar money next time they run for office!

But last week’s hearing wasn’t the final word. The South Florida Water Management District will host a hearing on the project in Belle Glade this Thursday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Will Museum. JOIN US THERE AND GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT IF POSSIBLE!

Given the proximity of the proposed rock mine to the EAA Reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must also sign off on the plan.

So stay tuned; and for the latest updates follow us on social media: Facebook, X and Instagram.