Author: Editor

Documentary Film to Look Forward To

As noted in the January 24, 2019 Arcadian Newspaper, Business Briefs, page A-16

Filmmaker to document phosphate mining

Los Angeles filmmaker Erik E. Crown has been in DeSoto County and other central Florida locations to document phosphate mining and the possible health risks that it poses, Crown said in a visit to Arcadia on Monday. A freelance producer associated with documentary films on illegal pet exports and environmental issues, Crown is investigating potential health risks such as emphysema, radiation exposure, waterway contamination and cancers linked to phosphate mining, he said. His interests stem from social media posts from locals opposing phosphate mining in central Florida. Crown plans to release a feature-length documentary on phosphate mining that’s timed to major film festivals, he said. Phosphate giant Mosaic Fertilizer seeks to mine nearly 25,000 acres in DeSoto County, has multiple mining and processing operations throughout Florida.

Raising Awareness in Punta Gorda

On January 19, 2019 about 50 concerned citizens, including members of 3PR and fellow organizations, turned out to raise awareness of the environmental tragedy that is phosphate mining. Armed with handmade posters and sunscreen we stood, facing passing motorists on the south end of the US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda. We were there for several hours, waiving at passing cars and discussing the impact of strip mining Florida.

There was a steady stream of cars and trucks passing by. Many honked horns and waived in support. It was a great way to reach hundreds of people, some of whom may know little if anything about the terrible legacy that mining will leave with Florida if it’s allowed to continue. A legacy made of tens of thousands of acres of radioactive “soil”, radioactive waste piles called phosphogypsum stacks, and huge clay settling slime pits. And no permanent jobs.

If you have the opportunity to attend an assembly like this you will not regret it. A great chance to meet fellow concerned citizens and to raise the awareness of this continuing disaster facing our state.

Our children will be most impacted by mining’s legacy

Now This is Commitment. Hopefully will wash off.

Desoto County Attorney’s Remarks

For those who were unable to attend the Board Of County Commissioner’s meeting in Arcadia on 12-11-2018, here is a recording of the County Attorney, Donald D. Conn, as he presents his comments regarding the selection of Special Magistrate and the nuances of the mediation process between Mosaic and the County:

Also, this link will take you to the Florida Statutes, Chapter 70, that Attorney Conn refers to in his remarks.  The Statute is about Private Property Rights Protection and plays a significant role in what is taking place in Desoto County:   

https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/70.001

Two BOCC Meetings Coming Up -DeSoto & Hardee

The BOCCs of DeSoto and Hardee Counties will be meeting on phosphate mining matters. As always, continued public appearance at these meetings is vital to show the decision makers that the devastation of mining is NOT acceptable and NOT supported by the citiz

Desoto County Board  is meeting December 11 (Tuesday) at 3pm and at 6:30pm in  Board chambers in Arcadia

As we understand this, the Board and Mosaic have agreed to a Special Magistrate for the mediation process but have not yet negotiated an agreement for services.  The County staff and Mosaic legal dept. are working on “key points” to be used for working toward a settlement once the magistrate is hired.  At the Board meeting the county attorney is expected to present the key points for discussion and comment.  It would be good to attend this meeting to show continuing interest and support for the Commissioner’s decision to reject Mosaic’s rezoning request.

NOTE:  This a a confusing gathering in that the county attorney’s report is apparently going to be delivered at the end of the 3pm meeting time, not the 6:30pm meeting as previously understood.  If you want to make public comment, it appears you must file out a comment time request card prior to the 3pm time.  Not sure when public comment will be heard.  Good luck to us all.

Hardee County BOCC meeting is scheduled for January 3, 2019 at 8:30am in Wauchula

Mosaic is requesting to mine an additional 8,000 acres of what’s left of Hardee County.  Let’s pack the chambers to show the outrage this continued avarice is manifesting in the citizens of Hardee and Florida.  News article for your reading pleasure:

Mine Expansion in Hardee

More detail on the venues for these meetings can be found in the Events page of this website.

Phosphate Mining Battle in Bradford & Union Counties

Battle over phosphate mining roils small Fla. town

Clip: 10/31/2018 | 7m 53s    PBS NewsHour Presentation

Phosphate mining is a major industry in Florida, but it’s also a major source of pollution, responsible for red tide, toxic algal blooms and killing wildlife. In the northern part of the state, residents of a small town are resisting a man who wants to mine phosphate near their homes. Can the local government balance individual rights and with community health concerns? Laura Newberry reports.

Aired: 10/31/18

PBS NewsHour Video 10-31-18

Nature Festival in Punta Gorda

What a great day to meet and enjoy the company of fellow citizens concerned with the environment and future of Florida.  Held in Punta Gorda in Laisley Park on November 17, 2018, there were lots of exhibitors including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Audubon, Rookery Bay Research Reserve, Lemon Bay Conservancy, Lee County Parks & Rec, the UF Florida Master Naturalist Program, People for Protecting Peace River, and many others.

It was a great chance to increase your knowledge of the great things Florida has to offer and the myriad ways these great things are under attack by man and nature.

For example, did you know there is a program that uses chickens to detect disease. Chickens are placed strategically around areas that have mosquito issues (like Florida) and their blood is sampled periodically to see if they have been bitten by a disease carrying mosquito.  The chicken is not harmed by the disease or the procedure, but the information provided helps identify areas that need immediate help.  Sentinel Chickens.

Here are a few photos of the event: