Category: News Articles

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.

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

DeSoto Rejects New Mosaic Mine

DeSoto County rejects new Mosaic phosphate mine, surprising even mining foes

Tampa Bay Times News Roundup – Craig Pittman

Updated: July 26, 2018 at 12:41 PM

The world’s largest phosphate company, Mosaic Co., lost its bid Wednesday night to open a new mine on 18,000 acres of land near one of the state’s most pristine creeks.

After hearing impassioned testimony from hundreds of people over the course of two days, the DeSoto County Commission voted 4-1 Wednesday to reject Mosaic’s request to change the zoning on its property from agricultural to mining.

FULL ARTICLE IN TAMPA BAY TIMES AT THIS LINK:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/Mosaic-spent-20-years-planning-new-phosphate-mine-DeSoto-County-has-rejected-it_170349203

Healthy Soil Is The Future

This is a link to an April 9,2018 NPR News report by Dan Charles on the growing movement in “regenerative agriculture” including cover crops and no-till land management. There have to be solutions for sustainable farming. Strip mining for phosphate fertilizers is not a sustainable way to build soil health. Fresh approaches like this are the answer.

 

Healthy Soil Movement Spreads Among Farmers