LWV Martin County Blog

Feb 26 Rivers Coalition Meeting

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:07:14 GMT

Gil Smart (VoteWater) and Eve Samples (Friends of the Everglades) updated the February 26th Rivers Coalition meeting on how this year’s legislative session in Tallahassee was going as far as environmental issues are concerned.

It wasn’t good news.

Gil warned us last month: “If last year’s legislative session’s theme was facilitating sprawl, this year’s is sprawl on steroids.” And since the Republican-controlled legislature can pass anything it wants, at this point the only possible changes in the disturbingly-large number of bad bills in the pipeline are tweaks to the bills.

With one possible exception. Some North Florida Republican legislators have voiced concerns about the Everglades water management process. South Florida Republicans haven’t yet, but if they notice the desertions they may be persuadable. The bills are HB 701 and SB 1120.

Gil’s bottom line: “Right now the worst bills are all the pro-growth bills like ‘Blue Ribbon Projects’; House Bill 299 is on the House floor but Senate Bill 354 still has to clear the Rules Committee this week, and in both cases it would be helpful for people to reach out to our local legislators and tell them to oppose these bills.”

The bad news from Tallahassee doesn’t stop there. Florida Forever, the state’s conservation and recreation land acquisition program which is funded by doc stamps, started in 2001 at $300 million/year. Funding was cut to zero during the Great Recession but rebounded to $100 million in 2018-2023 and then came all the way back up to $270 million last year. Alas; this year the Governor requested only $115 million. Even worse, the Senate wants to appropriate just $35 million for Florida Forever. The House’s number: A Big Fat Zero.

Meanwhile, Lake Okeechobee hasn’t seen any serious effects from the drought thus far. It’s currently at 12.26 feet, and it would have to drop below 11 feet for 80 days before triggering any real concerns. The main problem with the lake right now Is actually to the west: The Caloosahatchee River needs fresh water, but the low lake level is preventing it from getting enough. At least the drought is giving the St. Lucie Estuary a breather from discharge threats.

-- Walter Deemer, LWVMC Rivers Coalition Representative

January Meeting

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:31:56 GMT

The featured presenter at the January 22nd Rivers Coalition meeting was Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander Col. Brandon Bowman. He reported:

* The Lake Okeechobee management effort is going well. The lake level is currently a near-ideal 13.01 feet. In addition, following last summer’s Lake Recovery Operation, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (“sea grass”) now covers 20,000 acres of the lake bottom compared with just 3000 acres beforehand.

* All stakeholders but one are having their needs met at the present time: The Caloosahatchee River west of the lake isn’t receiving nearly as much fresh water as it needs.

* The biggest threat to the St. Lucie Estuary right now isn’t discharges from Lake Okeechobee; it’s polluted runoff flowing into the headwaters of the North Fork. The Corps has several projects underway to address that issue.

* The Everglades restoration effort continues moving forward, albeit at a seemingly-glacial pace. To wit: Col. Bowman was happy to announce that the Everglades Agricultural Area projects would be completed five years ahead of schedule – but that still won’t be until the end of 2029.

* The big C-44 Reservoir, just north of the St. Lucie Canal in western Martin County, is a key part of the management plan. The reservoir will store runoff and remove phosphorus before discharging the water. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been able to operate at capacity; there’s a seepage issue at one end, and it can only be filled to ten feet compared with its designed fifteen-foot level. The Corps doesn’t think the reservoir will be able to be filled to capacity until 2032.

* Finally, Coalition members expressed a great deal of alarm about the Corps’ Engineering Research and Development Center’s plan to develop treatments to remove peroxide and phosphorus from the water. The concern stems from the ERDC’s need to test those treatments, and they have to do the testing in the St. Lucie Canal. There was widespread fear that this could produce harmful results in our canal and our estuary.

On the legislative front, Gil Smart, the Friends of the Everglades monitor of the goings-on in Tallahassee, shook his head: “If last year’s legislative session’s theme was facilitating sprawl, this year’s is sprawl on steroids.” A disturbingly large number of bills have been filed that will allow more and more development projects to be subject only to administrative approval rather than, as now, being required to go through a public review process. If these bills pass they will drastically reduce public input on some very big and impactful development proposals -- and completely eliminate it in some cases.

As these and other really bad bills get rammed towards the finish line, you will undoubtably be receiving calls for action from your favorite environmental organization. Keep an eye on your inbox.

-- Walter Deemer, LWVMC Rivers Coalition Representative

September 2025

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:06:09 GMT

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September Newsletter

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:31:41 GMT

Democracy Integrity Report August

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:01:10 GMT

Meeting Notes

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:46:56 GMT

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Amy Eason, Martin County Environmental Resource Engineer, told the July 24 Rivers Coalition meeting how the county was addressing sea-level rise. They look at three factors that create flooding: sea level rise, rain runoff and storm surge from hurricanes, and assess how every project (such as the recent raising of MacArthur Boulevard) can mitigate those factors as far as 75 years in the future. It’s a big job…

Drew Bartlett, the Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, then gave an update on their projects. One of the biggest: Raising 6.7 miles of the Tamiami Trail to allow a whole lot more water to flow from Lake Okeechobee and the Northern Everglades past the man-made barrier and into Florida Bay. It hasn’t been completed yet, but the “River of Grass” is already getting bigger and bigger – which is what Mother Nature originally intended.

He also mentioned the current problems in the St. Lucie River are coming from discharges from the north and not, as usual, from the west. They have been forced to discharge water from the C-23 and C-24 canals into Ten-Mile Creek and the North Fork this summer, so it’s the North Fork that is currently suffering from too-much sediment. Unfortunately, the two new reservoirs that will alleviate this problem won’t be operative for at least another two years. Bartlett then gave us status updates on five other ongoing/just completed projects, and also mentioned the District hasn’t observed any adverse Alligator Alcatraz-related impacts on their operations.

Another speaker noted, almost as an aside, that the highest sugar subsidy increase in history was tucked somewhere deep inside the now-signed 980-page “Big Beautiful Bill”.

The next Rivers Coalition meeting will be in September. Back in two months…

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter Representative

Meeting Notes

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:21:10 GMT

The June 26 Rivers Coalition meeting featured a update on Martin County’s land acquisition program from Merritt Matheson, Vice-Chair of the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee, and John Maehl, Martin County’s Environmental Resource Administrator.

Revenues from the half-cent sales tax increase voters approved in November to buy environmental lands are coming in as expected: $6.6 million in the first four months of the year, on track to generate the anticipated $18 million/year, or $180 million over its ten-year lifespan. Importantly, Martin County is already able to bond a significant chunk of that $180 million, so the Committee has a lot more than $6.6 million to use right now.

They intend to spend as much as possible as quickly as possible by pursuing the easiest deals first, either buying the land outright or doing a conservation easement in perpetuity. They only negotiate with “willing sellers”; if the asking price is way above the market price, that’s not a ‘willing seller”.

Currently, they’re working on two projects. The first: buying nearly 1000 acres in Pal-Mar: the “highest-quality wetlands” in Martin County. The second: a conservation easement with the Bar D Ranch, a 1900-acre property near the C-44 reservoir; it’s in luxury-golf course territory where current zoning allows 1 home per 20 acres.

An extensive review process -- initial approval by the Board of County Commissioners, Martin County staff working out the details, and a final BOCC approval -- still lies ahead. But the environmental-land acquisition process approved in November is well underway – and the money from the sales tax increase is being put to use in exactly the way voters intended.

Major Cory Bell, from the Army Corps Of Engineers, then shared some welcome news: their Lake Recovery Operation to lower the lake level and enable the decimated seagrass habitat to recover has been successful. One goal, to lower it below 11.5 feet for 60 days, has already been met, and given the current lake level of 10.97 feet the second goal, to lower it below 12 feet for 90 days, will almost certainly be achieved in mid-July. This means that -- barring a biblical deluge -- no further discharges to the east will be necessary for at least five years.

Five years!

Finally, Eve Samples, Executive Director of the Friends of the Everglades, mentioned Alligator Alcatraz. She noted that The Friends was formed in 1969 to fight a huge jetport project in the very heart of the Everglades – the exact location of Alligator Alcatraz. AA is just as much of an environmental threat as the jetport was – and it’s already gotten underway despite no environmental impact reviews whatsoever. They filed a lawsuit June 27 to stop it, but this is a rapidly-evolving situation, so you should go to https://www.everglades.org/ to keep up with the latest developments and get suggestions on what you can do to voice your opposition.

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter Representative

June 10 Rumors Report

patriceannesestoso.work@gmail.com (Patrice Fiverr) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:37:46 GMT

Water Ambassador Program

Fri, 30 May 2025 17:00:31 GMT

Water Ambassador Field Trip:

Eyes on the Seagrass Bitz Kayak Tour was on May 27 ^th . Lyn Aal-Magee attended this program which can be extended to others who are interested. Water Ambassador is collecting sightings of seagrass in the Indian River. To participate in the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz, they recommend that you download the ArcGIS Survey123 app in your phone's app store.

Download the app and then access the form via the link bit.ly/ReportSeaGrass once before heading out on the water. After you have accessed the form via the link for the first time, you can then open the app to access the form directly.
Alternatively, if you do not want to download the app you can enter data through the direct link to the online form: bit.ly/ReportSeaGrass but the app will make it easier while on the water.
More information about the Eyes on Seagrass in the IRL Blitz can be found here: https://bit.ly/EOSBlitz

The Water Ambassador Program in Martin County, FL , is an educational initiative aimed at empowering residents to protect local waterways. The program includes monthly webinars on stormwater-related topics, providing residents with opportunities to learn about water quality, conservation, and restoration. It is a partnership between Martin County and UF/IFAS Extension, focusing on community engagement and education. Participants can register for webinars, which cover various water resource topics and are every third Tuesday.

Rivers Coalition May 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 12:11:12 GMT

Do you know what we did for the first Earth Day back in 1970?

Martin County High School student Larry Crary drops his outboard motor into a coffin during a mock funeral for the St. Lucie River at Phipps Park on April 22, 1970. Credit - Stuart News

The May Rivers Coalition meeting was cancelled due to a conflict with another event. Which gives me an opportunity to reminisce a bit…

A few years ago a friend of mine, a member of the Martin County High School senior class of 1970, asked me “Do you know what we did for the first Earth Day back in 1970?”

“No.”

“We staged a mock funeral for the river.”

My jaw dropped. Fifty long years had passed; we were STILL staging mock funerals for the river. In spite of the strenuous efforts of a lot of extremely dedicated hard-working people during those five decades, nothing had really changed.

Until it did.

The transformation was driven home at a Rivers Coalition meeting a few years ago by then-director of the South Florida Water Management District Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch. She told us “There has been a cultural shift at the SFWMD.”

Then she added something I never, ever, expected to hear.

“There has also been a cultural shift at the Corps of Engineers.”

This was stunning. Both agencies were now specifically including both aquatic and human health factors as a major part of their decision-making process. It wasn’t just gallons of water any more.

An ongoing dialog between parties who hadn’t been on the best of speaking terms began. The Executive Director of the SFWMD and high-ranking members of the Corps of Engineers now regularly attend our monthly Rivers Coalition meetings, listen carefully to our concerns, and address them directly and honestly. Their decisions don’t always go the way we’d like (they have other stakeholders to answer to) – but they’re definitely taking human and aquatic health issues into their decision-making process now.

So after fifty long years the pendulum has finally started to swing in the estuary’s favor. There’s a long, long way to go yet, and a lot of hard work still lies ahead of us. But as Col. Booth of the Corps of Engineers told us recently: “Every year, things are getting better.”

Somewhere, I think Maggy is starting to smile.

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter Representative

Rivers Coalition Notes 4/24

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:44:02 GMT

Some good news....

Major Cory Bell (Army Corps of Engineers) gave a very encouraging update on the Corps’ Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation at the Rivers Coalition April 24th meeting. The goal was to get the lake level below 12 feet for 90 days or 11.5 feet for 60 days, to enable the lake’s decimated submerged aquatic vegetation to recover.

On April 24th, Maj. Bell said, the lake level had fallen to 11.62 feet, and had been below 12 feet for eleven days. Even better: the Corps’ models projected the lake level would remain below 12 feet for 138 days -- well above their 90-day goal. (And as this is being written, on April 27, the level has fallen below that second benchmark to 11.45 feet, per https://eyeonlakeo.com/, Todd Thurlow’s incredible data-filled website.)

This is really good news for the St. Lucie River/Estuary:

1) Discharges to the east were stopped March 29th. They will not be resumed.

2) Barring a lake level rise above 17 feet from extreme rain events (think hurricanes), the Corps does not anticipate needing to discharge lake water to the east during the next five years. (Five years!)

Meanwhile, Eve Samples and Gil Smart (Friends of the Everglades) gave an update on bills currently making their way through the Florida Legislature, scheduled to adjourn May 2. They noted this has been a particularly chaotic session (only 53 bills out of almost 2000 have been passed), largely because the House and the Governor’s office are feuding. As a result, things are going to evolve unusually rapidly next week.

They focused on two bills:

The Protect State Parks Bills (HB 209 and SB 80). The House bill, which has already been passed, is much stronger than Sen. Harrell’s bill. They would very much like to see the Senate pass the House bill rather than the Senate bill.

Wetlands Mitigation (HB 1173 and SB 492). This would expand allowable mitigation offsets beyond the affected watershed. A Treasure Coast developer, in other words, could provide a mitigation offset via something in the Panhandle. This is obviously not beneficial for local environments, and they would like to see these bills go down in flames.

A cautionary note: The Legislature must, by law, pass a budget bill. It looks like the House and Senate will not be able to reach a compromise by May 2 – which will lead to an extended session or special session. The big problem with that is the unscrupulous rascals in Tallahassee have a nasty habit of sneaking controversial things into that must-pass budget bill at the very last minute, so the battles may not be over yet.

Finally: We learned that although legislators don’t read their emails they do count them – and the numbers do influence their decisions. So you don’t have to pen a lengthy treatise explaining your position on a bill; a terse email simply urging them to vote for or against a bill is all it takes.

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter Representative

Healthier Lakes

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:07:57 GMT

Native Grasses/Plants for Shoreline

Newcomers, as well as long-time residents, might not be fully informed about the regulations that govern our lakeshore areas. Some residents may be removing vegetation from their shorelines, a practice that is often contrary to HOA guidelines and adversely impacts lake health. To help preserve these cherished lakes that bring joy to many, we aim to educate everyone on the importance of maintaining certain types of vegetation for the lake's wellbeing and to provide resources for managing shoreline matters.

**Native Grasses/Plants for Shoreline**

Beneficial shoreline and submerged aquatic plants fulfill several essential roles:

• Erosion control, as they rarely extend beyond their intended area, thriving only in water no deeper than 12 inches and not encroaching up the lake's banks

• Providing habitat for fish and wildlife

• Filtering debris and pollutants

• Reducing excess nutrients from fertilizers that contribute to algae blooms

• Enhancing water clarity

• Offering shade to prevent increases in water temperature

• Supplying cover and foliage for songbirds, fish, and frogs

• Mitigating wave and wind energy

There have been sightings of rats in some attics. Maintaining vegetation along the shore can help keep these animals in their natural environment instead of in your homes. Norway rats tend to stay closer to the shore, while roof rats do exactly what their name implies.

It is essential to ensure that landscapers refrain from applying weed control chemicals near the shore, especially during the wet months (June through August). They have been advised not to spray at the water line, but a gentle reminder may be helpful.

**Suggested Educational Resources for Shoreline Vegetation**

Here are some recommended nurseries that offer native Florida plants:

Pinder’s Nursery

5500 SW Martin Hwy

Palm City, FL 34990

(772) 781-8085

Neptune Nursery, LLC

5164 SW Citrus Blvd

Palm City, FL 34990

(772) 223-5287

delarosa@neptunenursery.com

PROTECT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:57:49 GMT

PLANT NATIVE FLORIDA PLANTS TO PROTECT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Asclepius tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed, stands out as one of Florida’s native milkweeds . This bushy perennial, reaching heights of 1.5 to 2 feet, is celebrated for its vibrant, flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers. The leaves, typically arranged alternately, measure 1-2 inches long, featuring pointed tips and smooth edges. The clusters of yellow-orange to bright orange blooms, spanning 2-5 inches in width, adorn the flowering stem, which is subtly hairy. These attributes make butterfly weed a popular choice in nurseries across the state. Thriving as a perennial in USDA Hardiness zones 3-10a, it produces its striking orange or yellow flowers from late summer to early fall.

Other native milkweed species include Asclepias amplexicaulis (clasping milkweed), Asclepias cinerea (Carolina milkweed), Asclepias connivens (largeflower milkweed), Asclepias curtissii (Curtiss’ milkweed), Asclepias feayi (Florida milkweed), Asclepias humistrata (pinewoods milkweed), Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed), Asclepias lanceolata (flower milkweed), Asclepias michauxii (Michaux’s milkweed), Asclepias obovata (pineland milkweed), Asclepias pedicellata (savannah milkweed), Asclepias perennis (swamp milkweed), Asclepias rubra (red milkweed), Asclepias tomentosa (velvetleaf milkweed), Asclepias variegata (redring milkweed), Asclepias verticillata (whorled milkweed), Asclepias viridiflora (green milkweed), Asclepias viridis (green antelopehorn), and Asclepias viridula (southern milkweed).

NON-NATIVE MILKWEED

Many experts advise against the use of tropical and non-native milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), which is commonly cultivated in Florida. This species features clusters of orange, yellow, and red tubular flowers and can grow to a height of 2–4 feet and a width of 1–2 feet. Its leaves are oppositely arranged, ending in acute tips, and it possesses smooth, upright stems. Notably, it exudes a milky sap and serves as a larval host for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies.

Negatives of Non-Native Milkweed:

A. It does not die back in the southern climate and is susceptible to a parasite. The parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) can lead to deformities, smaller size, mating impairments, and reduced flight endurance in monarchs.

B. In the long term, it poses a threat to ecosystems, even if cut back to 3 inches in the fall after its leaves have been consumed, in an attempt to mimic winter die-back and curb OE parasite spread. OE accumulates in tropical milkweed plants over time, becoming increasingly detrimental to monarchs.

C. Additionally, tropical milkweed can mislead monarchs into breeding when they should be preparing for migration.

Rivers Coalition Notes Feb 27

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:05:59 GMT

Rescue the River of Grass & Army Corps Update

There were two main events at the February 27th Rivers Coalition meeting: A presentation by Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, on their recently-launched “Rescue the River of Grass” campaign, and updates on the Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation from Major Cory Bell, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commander for South Florida, and Jason Engel, the Corps’ Chief of Water Resources Engineering Branch.

The ”Rescue the River of Grass” campaign has already quantified, scientifically, how much land is needed above and beyond the currently-authorized projects to complete the restoration process in the Everglades Agricultural Area (102,000 acres). It has also identified funding sources to acquire the land (primarily the 2014 Amendment 1 funds generated by doc stamps from real estate transactions that are earmarked for land acquisition -- over $1.3 billion a year). They are now trying to spread the word about the benefits of acquiring this land, now; their case is here: https://www.everglades.org/rescue/

But there’s a problem. The state is prohibited, by statute, from taking the land by eminent domain – which means it has to be acquired from willing sellers. And who owns most of those 102,000 acres? Big Sugar, which doesn’t quite have a reputation of being environmentally-friendly. (They are now trying, for example, to get permission to develop an 8000-acre rock mine in the EAA, which is hardly the kind of development the Rescue the River of Grass initiative envisions.) So the scientific evidence is there and the money is available – but can the landowners be persuaded to sell? There’s a petition at the bottom of the website you can sign to tell them how really nice it would be if they did.

Meanwhile, the ACE representatives updated us on the in-progress Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation. The current lake level is 13.7 feet, and the goal is to get it below 12 feet for 90 days or below 11.5 feet for 60 days. “There is a high chance of a successful operation”, they reported, “if current conditions persist” (i. e., if we don’t get a lot of rain before the dry season ends May 15). They are currently projecting that the lake will drop below 12’ sometime in April, so keep your eye on Lake O.

The really good news, though, is that if the current operation is successful the Corps won’t have to do any more recovery operations for five years. The only discharges that would occur during that time would be if the lake level rises above 16’ – and there’s even some wiggle room in that benchmark. So if Mother Nature continues to cooperate for another few months, the longer-term outlook regarding harmful discharges sent our way from Lake Okeechobee will be more optimistic than it has been for quite a while.

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter

Rivers Coalition Meeting Notes

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:45:06 GMT

January 23

The January 23rd Rivers Coalition meeting featured updates on the current set of Lake Okeechobee discharges from Major Cory Bell, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commander for South Florida, and Jason Engel, the Corps’ Chief of Water Resources Engineering Branch.

Why the current discharges, which began in early December? The lake’s level has been “too high” for the last four years. This has caused the loss of over 90% of the grass in the lake; sunlight can’t penetrate more than three feet of water in the lake’s currently-murky condition. Without sunlight, grass dies. Without grass, the bass population dwindles – and bass are the focal point of the lake’s recreational attraction. And without grass, the animals and plants at the very bottom of the food chain have nowhere to live.

The Corps thus made the admittedly-difficult decision to inflict pain and suffering on the St. Lucie Estuary, via discharges which create harmful reduced salinity levels, to lessen the even greater pain and suffering that Lake Okeechobee has been enduring.

Is it working? The Corps says yes. Their stated goal is to get the lake level, currently 14.55 feet, down to 12 feet by May 1. They said that they are on track to get there “barring unanticipated heavy rainfall between now and then”, and would like to be able to stop the discharges in April; their “sweet spot” is 12.7 feet in early April. When asked, though, they admitted that there is only a 50% chance of hitting that 12’ goal by May 1.

A second goal is to have the lake level below 12.5 feet for a full ninety days, which would allow for maximum grass growth. The Corps confessed this second goal may be harder to achieve because it depends on both how quickly the lake’s level drops and how long it stays there.

Significantly, the Corps told us if their discharge plan is unsuccessful in lowering the lake to their target levels they will not keep doing it again “year-after-year”. If the current discharge plan works, in other words, the Corps will continue to lower the lake’s level in the future if and when they deem it necessary – but if their plan doesn’t at first succeed, they will not try, try again.

And in the best of all possible futures, when all of the reservoirs and all of the water treatment areas have been built, the Corps of Engineers won’t need to send water down the St. Lucie Canal any longer in order to lower the lake level. In the future…

-- Walter Deemer, League of Women Voters Martin County Chapter

Rivers Coalition Meeting November 21, 2024

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:02:15 GMT

The November 21 Rivers Coalition meeting focused on Major Cory Bell from the Army Corps of Engineers sharing the reasoning behind their decision to start releasing water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie Estuary on December 7 in a “Lake Recovery Operation”.

Why now? Four years of above-normal lake levels have destroyed almost 90% of the lake’s submerged aquatic vegetation – the grass that’s needed for the little critters at the bottom of the food chain to grow and for bass to spawn. During that time, the lake’s turgidity has degraded so much that sunlight, essential to plant growth, can only penetrate three feet of lake water compared to the six feet that was previously the case. The Lake Recovery Operation’s plan is to lower the current lake level (16.03 feet; a foot above the late-November optimal management level) to 12 feet or less for a 90-day period. They want to reach that 12-foot level on May 1, to allow the decimated submerged aquatic vegetation beds to recover during the summer.

It sounds like a wonderful idea. Alas, there’s a cost – a big one, to us. The Lake Recovery Operation would send a whole lot of fresh water down to the St. Lucie Estuary. As the Florida Oceanographic Society noted in a letter to the Corps, “Over the past two months, the St. Lucie Estuary has been subjected to prolonged freshwater conditions as a result of sustained stormwater runoff. This influx of fresh water has devastated essential marine ecosystems, including the widespread loss of oysters and seagrass beds, already suffering from the effects from recent rainfall runoff.” They added: “Any further freshwater introduction from USACE operations could hinder or even halt the potential for recovery of the estuary.”

Simply put: What’s good for the lake is bad for the estuary.

You will probably not be surprised that Rivers Coalition members were not at all happy with the Lake Recovery Operation.

The FOS and Friends of the Everglades have both written the Corps urging them to reconsider the timing and scope of their Lake Recovery Operations. If you’d like to join them, you can send an email to cory.j.bell@usace.army.mil .

Meanwhile, a frustrated Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch observed that the Treasure Coast’s position on the South Florida Water Management District’s Board has remained unfilled ever since the Florida Senate refused to consider her reappointment two years ago. She urged us to try to get the Governor to appoint somebody – anybody – to advocate for the Treasure Coast on the so-important-to-us SFWMD board. So if you happen to bump into the Governor…

Rumors Report

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:49:20 GMT

October 29, 2024

Rumors Report: 2024 General Election

Overview

The Algorithmic Transparency Institute, a project of the National Conference on Citizenship, is partnering with the League of Women Voters during the 2024 U.S. general election to inform LWV and State Leagues about narratives circulating online related to elections, democracy, and voting. This report summarizes key narratives based on internal monitoring by ATI and tips submitted by our volunteer network.

We also outline data deficits related to each narrative. A data deficit indicates an open question or lack of good information on a topic. Data deficits represent critical opportunities where advocates can insert good information to help combat the misleading narrative.

Covering Rumors Responsibly

The following narratives may describe rumors, mis-/disinformation, conspiracy theories, and hateful content. Please be mindful of and responsible with how you communicate about these topics. Rather than restating or re-sharing rumors, instead share positive information that inoculates voters against rumors and other false/misleading information.

Summary of Narratives

● National Narratives:

○ False Claim: Video shows Trump ballots being destroyed

○ Misleading Claim: Ballot drop box fires are proof that political groups will enact violence on Election Day

○ Misleading Claim: Voting machines are “switching” votes in several states

● State Narratives:

○ Misleading Claims: Fraudulent voter registrations uncovered in Pennsylvania indicate widespread problems

○ Misleading Claim: Bucks County, Pennsylvania election officials are improperly turning away voters

○ Misleading Claim: Re-printed ballots in Virginia Beach, Virginia could lead to double voting, election fraud

○ False Claims: Georgia elections are susceptible to fraud because Georgia Election Board rules were blocked

Narratives

False Claim: Video shows Trump ballots being destroyed

A story about a hoax video, supposedly showing an election worker discarding ballots, has made national news. In the video, an election worker in Bucks County, Pennsylvania opens mail-in ballots. When he opens a ballot for Trump, he tears it into pieces. Upon opening a ballot for Harris, he places it back in the envelope.

Officials in Bucks County say the video is a hoax – and not a particularly good one. The ballot envelopes in the video are made of glossy paper with a blue accent. Real Bucks County ballot envelopes are matte with a green accent, as seen in this video about mail-in voting from the official county YouTube page.

Investigations by federal officials revealed the video was created and disseminated by Russian intelligence. In a joint statement, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said, "This Russian activity is part of Moscow's broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the U.S. election and stoke divisions among Americans.”

Data Deficits

● Voters may lack information about what Bucks County ballots and ballot envelopes look like

● Voters may lack information about foreign interference campaigns spreading ahead of Election Day

Where can we point people for good info?

● Russia is behind fake video of ballots being destroyed, U.S. officials say, from NPR

● Life of a Ballot, from BucksCoGovt YouTube

● Press Release: Joint ODNI, FBI, and CISA Statement, from The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency

Misleading Claim: Ballot drop box fires are proof that political groups will enact violence on Election Day Fires were reported at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington on Monday. In Washington, “hundreds” of ballots were destroyed. In Oregon, only three ballots were affected. Earlier this month, on October 8, another device was found in an empty ballot drop box in Washington state. The incidents are still under investigation, and it’s important to remember that facts can change quickly in breaking news situations. This narrative is up-to-date as of 12:00 PM ET, October 30.

At this time, authorities believe the incidents are connected, targeted, and intentional. Investigators are searching for a car spotted at both scenes and similar devices were used to

start the fires. Posts have claimed that this is evidence that political or activist groups are planning other violent acts. Posts have also claimed that particular people or groups have been accused. Though investigators believe the attacks were intentional, there are no suspects at this time. The New York Times reported that incendiary devices were marked with the words, “Free Gaza,” and that investigators are “trying to determine if the perpetrator was actually a pro-Palestinian activist or someone…sow[ing] discord.”

In Washington, voters who dropped their ballots in the affected drop box between Saturday and Monday are encouraged to contact their local elections office. In response, election officials will be emptying drop boxes more frequently, and in the evenings, to reduce the number of ballots sitting in boxes overnight. Drop boxes will also receive “24-hour enhanced security.”

In Oregon, only three ballots were burned. Luckily, none were heavily damaged and the three voters – who can be identified via a unique ID on their ballot envelope – have been contacted by election officials. Officials in both states want to reassure voters that even if their ballot was affected, they will have their votes counted.

Ballot drop box fires are rare, but have happened before. In 2020 two drop box fires were reported: one in Massachusetts and one in Los Angeles County.

While these fires are an alarming threat to democracy and the functioning of elections, it’s important to emphasize that voting is safe and election officials are working hard to ensure that every ballot is counted accurately. Be cautious of rumors that assign blame or make unfounded claims about motive while investigations are ongoing.

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about motive, suspect(s) in attacks Where can we point people for good info?

● Ballot drop box fires under investigation in Oregon, Washington after hundreds of ballots destroyed, from CNN

● WA, OR ballot box fires: Here’s what we know, from The Seattle Times

● Devices With ‘Free Gaza’ Messages Found at Ballot Box Fires, from The New York Times

Misleading Claims: Voting machines are “switching” votes in several states

Rumors about voting machine errors continue to spread in states across the country. In many of these instances, voters reported their votes being “switched” to candidates they did not choose. In one such example, election officials in Shelby County, Tennessee held a press conference to head off rumors about a problem that affected three voters (out of 18,000 who successfully cast their ballots). Officials explained that the problem, saying “‘it’s all about the placement of the finger when it taps the screen.’” The affected voters had tapped the touchscreen too close to the edge of their selection, triggering a different candidate selection. Similar rumors have spread in Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Florida, and South Carolina. Election officials say it is important for voters to make their selections carefully and to review their ballot before submitting it.

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about how to properly use a touchscreen voting machine Where can we point people for good information?

● Election Commission official clears the air on voting irregularity claims, from FOX13 News

● 'Blown out of proportion': Georgia county clears air on voting machine fraud claim, from ABC4 News

● Georgia tests its touchscreens and scanners to make sure they will work on Election Day, from The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Misleading Claims: Fraudulent voter registrations uncovered in

Pennsylvania indicate widespread problems

Election officials in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania have uncovered at least 2,500 voter registration applications that appear to be fraudulent. Officials discovered the applications in the course of their standard review process. Officials say the suspicious applications included signatures that did not match the voters’ on-file signatures, obviously incorrect personal information, and many applications written in the same handwriting, appearing to have been written by the same person.

District Attorney Heather Adams said the applications were submitted by paid canvassers, who are employed to register voters. Detectives are investigating who directed the paid canvassers and if other counties were impacted.

This is not evidence of widespread voter fraud at this time, nor evidence of a particular group/person directing the canvassers. Election officials in Lancaster County say the system is working as intended to protect against fraud. Rumors have targeted both left- and right-leaning groups, though officials have not yet released information about who may be responsible.

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about how voter registration applications are verified Where can we point people for good information?

● Pennsylvania officials investigating fraudulent voter registration applications in Lancaster County, from NBC News

● Donald Trump makes false claims about ballots in Lancaster County in Truth Social post,

from The Philadelphia Enquirer

● Trump stokes voter fraud fears in Pennsylvania as counties investigate and state urges patience, from CNN

Misleading Claim: Bucks County, Pennsylvania election officials are improperly turning away voters

Stories have spread about long lines as Pennsylvania voters cast ballots ahead of Election Day, leading to rumors suggesting that election officials are stopping people from voting.

Though Pennsylvania does not offer traditional early voting, it extends – as a courtesy – “on-demand in-person mail-in ballots.” Using this service, a voter can visit an election

office/satellite election office and request a mail-in ballot. The official will immediately check the voter’s registration status and print off a ballot if the voter is eligible. The voter can fill out the ballot on-site and return it right then. This differs from the typical mail-in voting process, through which voters need to request a ballot, wait for it to be mailed to them, and then return it.

Early in-person on-demand voting is a limited service that election offices offer as they are able. Voters may be turned away if lines become too long and election officials are at capacity. Voters who did not understand the limited availability of early on-demand mail-in voting believed they were improperly turned away by election officials, and many reached out to various authorities to try to remedy the situation. Some claimed that officials were turning away voters from a particular party; however, there was no way for officials to know voters’ party registration.

Bucks County clarified:

“Due to high demand, wait times for in-person mail-in ballots may be longer than expected. To ensure all applications are processed by the end of the day, the

office may need to stop accepting new applicants before the posted closing time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about Pennsylvania’s on-demand in-person mail ballot system and how it differs from traditional in-person voting Where can we point people for good information?

● Confusion over mail ballots at Bucks County election office leads to long lines, frustrated voters, from The Pennsylvania Capital-Star

● On-Demand Mail Ballot Voting, from The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

● Trump campaign to sue Bucks County after voters have issues with mail ballot voting on demand, from CBS News

Misleading Claim: Re-printed ballots in Virginia Beach, Virginia could lead to double voting, election fraud Approximately 7,400 residents in Virginia Beach, Virginia received corrected mail-in ballots after candidate names in three races were printed in the wrong order. Candidates are to be listed in the order they filed their candidacy. Corrected ballots were sent out and affected voters were directed to shred their incorrect ballots. One resident expressed concern about election fraud, saying that the old ballots could be used to double vote. However, local officials confirmed that mail-in ballots are scanned as they are received, which would identify any voter who submitted multiple ballots.

Data deficits concerning election administration processes – and how officials handle problems like mis-printed ballots – can become easy targets for rumors.

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about administrative processes for fixing ballot errors, like misprints

● Voters may lack information about how mail-in ballots are tracked and identified Where can we point people for good information?

● Virginia Beach spent thousands of dollars on mail-in ballot reprint, from The Virginian-Pilot

False Claims: Georgia elections are susceptible to fraud because Georgia Election Board rules were blocked

The Georgia State Supreme Court recently said controversial rules passed by the Georgia Election Board cannot go into effect before the November 5 election. Though the Court did not rule on the legality of the rules, they said the changes could not go into effect while there are legal challenges against them. Practically speaking, this means the rules will not come into play in the 2024 general election. The Georgia Election Board, which is composed of five members, passed a slate of rule changes informed by false claims about election integrity. Changes included requiring the hand-counting of the total number of ballots cast in each county and allowing election officials to decline to certify election outcomes if they believe fraud occurred. Three of the five board members have promoted false claims about election integrity and won the praise of Donald Trump for their

work.

Data Deficits:

● Voters may lack information about the Georgia Election Board’s rulemaking controversies Where can we point people for good information?

● Georgia Supreme Court maintains block on controversial election rules from Trump allies, from CNN

● Georgia election official Janelle King on the effort to change the state's election rules, from WBUR

● Explore the court cases that could impact the results of the 2024 election in Georgia, from The Savannah Morning News

October 24 Rivers Coalition Meeting

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:36:58 GMT

The October 24 Rivers Coalition meeting featured a presentation by Merritt Matheson on the “Martin County Forever Conservation Initiative”. This is the half-cent sales tax increase referendum on the ballot to raise money to acquire and preserve environmentally-important land. Merritt, a former mayor of Stuart, co-chairs the two-year effort.

A) It is a referendum. This means future County Commissions can’t change it. The only way it can be changed is via another referendum.

B) Acquisitions are specifically limited to four areas: 1) Blue Water (small parcels of land adjacent to water bodies), 2) The Indian River Lagoon Watershed (mainly land in the area of the St. Lucie Canal), 3) Loxa-Lucie (the headwaters of the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers) and 4) Pal-Mar.

C) Proceeds can also be used to buy conservation easements permanently limiting land uses to protect its conservation value. Importantly, all easements will be in perpetuity and irrevocable.

The half-cent sales tax is expected to generate $18 million/year during its ten-year lifespan. This means $140 million in bonds could be issued immediately upon voter approval and land acquisitions could begin early next year. Significantly, acquisitions of this nature are typically made using matching funds, so Martin County’s $140 million would end up being leveraged to several times that. The acquisition process, though, must be initiated by a local government, which makes the Martin County sales-tax referendum the keystone of the process.

The Martin County Forever team is well aware that the last such initiative in 2006 led to some serious problems. Per the referendum, proceeds from that half-cent sales tax were to be split 50/50 between purchasing conservation lands and creating improved parks. The sales pitch, though, emphasized “purchasing conservation lands”, and the “creating improved parks” part, although hiding in plain sight, was glossed over. The result: Sailfish Splash. Matheson emphasized that the Martin County Forever team has included some very strong safeguards in the initiative to avoid any possible future hanky-panky with the proceeds from this initiative. The proceeds can be used to buy land -- and nothing else.

More information is available on Martin County Forever’s website: https://www.martincountyforever.com/

The Martin County League has not taken a position on this referendum but is a member of the Rivers Coalition, which supports it.

Meanwhile, some friends at Sandhill Cove recently took a tour of U. S. Sugar’s operations. U. S. Sugar made a really slick presentation which insists they are doing nothing whatsoever to harm anything or anybody. I asked Mark Perry what the biggest thing was that they left out. “Overdraining”; they’re discharging water into canals which drain into water treatment areas, which keeps water from Lake Okeechobee from flowing south. There are others; suffice it to say that a sugar-sponsored tour (which I thought was fascinating when I took it) is a commercial, not a documentary.

-- Walter Deemer, Martin County League of Women Voters

Amendment #6 Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:00:01 GMT

Ballot Language :

Proposing the repeal of the provision in the State Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.

Synopsis :

Presently, there is a right to public financing under Section 7 of Article VI of the Florida Constitution, which requires that the state provide a public campaign financing program for candidates for statewide office (Governor and Cabinet).

If proposed Amendment 6 passes, it would repeal the right to public financing for candidates running for state-wide offices. Implementing legislation would also come into effect to repeal the Florida Election Campaign Financing Act.

Florida enacted a public campaign financing law in 1986 and in 1998 Floridians added it to the state constitution with 64% of the vote. The constitution currently requires that candidates for governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture are able to access public campaign financing if they agree to spending limits. Presently, Florida law (106.31 F.S.), provides for public financing for campaigns and the stated “purpose of public campaign financing is to make candidates more responsive to the voters of the State of Florida and as insulated as possible from special interest groups.” This statute would be repealed if this amendment passes.

More specifically, under the current public campaign financing program, candidates can access matching funds for contributions made by individual Florida residents who are contributing $250 or less. To qualify for these matching funds, a candidate must:

● not be running unopposed

● agree to limit their total spending to $2.00 for each registered Florida voter (for gubernatorial candidates) or $1.00 for each registered Florida voter (for cabinet candidates)

● raise $150,000 (for gubernatorial candidates) or $100,000 (for cabinet candidates)

● limit loans or contributions from the candidate’s personal funds to $25,000 and limit contributions from political parties to $250,000

● report campaign financing data to the division of elections and submit to a post-election financial audit.

In 2022, the spending limit for gubernatorial candidates receiving public campaign financing was $30.29 million ($2.00 per registered voter) and the limit for cabinet candidates was $15.14 million ($1.00 per registered voter). This amendment would remove these spending limits. Actual spending in 2022 for public campaign financing was $13 million, roughly equivalent to 0.01% of the state’s $109.9 billion 2022-2023 budget.

This amendment was referred to the ballot by the 2024 Florida Legislature (Senate: 85 Yes to 15 No; House: 82 Yes to 29 No). In 2010, the Legislature referred this same amendment to the ballot and it received 52.49% of the vote, falling short of the 60% required for passage.

Opponents of this amendment, including Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of Florida, state that the matching fund program gives small-dollar donors a greater voice and encourages candidates to seek support from broad groups of voters. Further, if the program is repealed, wealthy donors and special interest groups would no longer be limited in the amounts they can contribute to these candidates. In addition, public financing enables candidates who are not wealthy or who have more limited access to financing to be able to run for office, leading to a more diverse pool of candidates.

Supporters of this amendment, including the majority of the Florida Legislature, state that this financing, which comes from Florida’s general fund, could be used for other programs such as education, health care or housing.

A Yes Vote Would ...: Repeal Section 7, Article VI from the Florida Constitution (passed in 1998) and repeal the Florida Election Campaign Financing Act, ending Florida’s public campaign financing program and spending limits for publicly-funded candidates for Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture.

A No Vote Would. ..: Leave the current public campaign financing program, including spending limits for publicly-funded candidates, in place.

BOCC Agenda Review

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:23:46 GMT

The Martin County Board of County Commissioners will take a break from approving Comprehensive Plan amendments at Tuesday’s meeting and will continue what appears to be a permanent “break” from discussing affordable housing despite promises from staff and commissioners to solve the problem of high rent and home prices for low- and moderate-income residents.

Among the 13 items buried on the Consent Agenda, which will be approved by a single vote at the beginning of the meeting without public explanation or discussion, are CNST-8 to approve a revised Local Housing Assistance Plan for the Fiscal Years 2023-2026 and CNST-9 to approve an incentive strategies report for the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP).

A public hearing will be held on Agenda Item PH-1 to approve the SHIP annual report for Fiscal Year 2021/2022. The report reflects that the County spent only $83,500.00 to provide purchase assistance for just one home and $22,908.00 to provide rental assistance for just 15 renters between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. Most of the $646,437.85 in SHIP funds spent during that period was for repairs, renovations, and utility assistance for 20 homeowners.

The County’s primary affordable housing program provided assistance to only 36 residents during 2021/2022. It’s not surprising that neither staff nor the commission wish to engage in public discussion of affordable housing program plans and strategies for upcoming fiscal years.

Three zoning change applications will be approved in items on the public portion of the Agenda:

– Item PHQJ-1 is a request to change zoning on a 3.8-acre parcel east of SE Federal Highway and south of SE Salerno Road from B-1 Business District to GC General Commercial for KSA Equities Holdings, Inc.;

– Item PHQJ-2 will change zoning on a 9-acre parcel for the All Saints Cemetery in Jensen Beach from A-2 Agricultural District to PS-2 Public Service District; and

– Item PHQJ-3 will change zoning on a 10.97-acre parcel on SE Salerno Road and SE Ault Avenue from A-1A Agricultural District to RE-2A Rural Estate District for the Grace Place, Inc.

NOTE: The lame duck commission, which includes retiring Commissioner Harold Jenkins and Commissioner Doug Smith, who was defeated in his re-election bid by voters demanding a change, is scheduled to vote on all of the proposed Evaluation and Appraisal Report amendments to the Comprehensive Plan at the October 22 meeting. Staff and the County’s paid consultant, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, have proposed amendments to every chapter of the Comp Plan, making changes which are unnecessary, ill-advised, and entirely outside the EAR process, which requires periodic updates of local plans to comply with newly enacted state laws. Other amendments which expand and increase development in rural areas were rushed through by sitting Commissioners at the last meeting and have already been transmitted to the state for review. These amendments – and the EAR amendments – will return to the Commission for final adoption after two newly elected commissioners are seated next month.

In other items on Tuesday’s short agenda:

– Commissioners will approve the Clerk’s warrant reflecting expenditures of $18,166,203.43 in tax dollars between September 9 and September 22, 2024, without disclosing the payees or the purpose of the payments (Consent Agenda Item CNST-2);

– Also on the Consent Agenda, Commissioners will approve a $529,700.00 contract to One Call Florida, Inc., for construction of a 727-square foot building including a laundry facility, restrooms, office, utility room, and storage room for the Manatee Pocket Mooring Field upland facility (Agenda Item CNST-1); and

– An amendment to extend the lease with Daher Aerospace, Inc., for premises at the Martin County Airport which expires on October 31, 2024, will be approved in Agenda Item DEPT-4.

The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday in Commission Chambers at the Martin County Administration Center. Attend in person, watch on MCTV or livestream the meeting from the County website at http://martin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=24 .

Agenda items may be viewed and downloaded at https://martin.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=35023&GUID=98D7CC54-EF7D-4C4C-8084-1AF34C623D6E

E-mail commissioners about matters that interest you at sheard@martin.fl.us , eciampi@martin.fl.us , dsmith@martin.fl.us , hjenkins@martin.fl.us , shetherington@martin.fl.us with copies to the County Administrator and County Attorney at ddonalds@martin.fl.us and swoods@martin.fl.us .

Rivers Coalition Report

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:16:30 GMT

The September 26 Rivers Coalition meeting featured a presentation by Col. Brandon Bowman, the new Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, of updates on the Corps’ projects. A representative from the South Florida Water Management District was also scheduled to give updates on their projects but was trying to deal with Hurricane Helene and unable to join us, and Col. Bowman had to leave early for the same reason. The updates were thus somewhat incomplete.

Col. Bowman reported that, after a seemingly-endless process, the new Lake Okeechobee Systems Operating Manual which replaced the 2008 version is now in effect. It will prevent discharges from the lake 95% of the time, give the Corps much more flexibility in managing the lake, and involves local stakeholders in the decision-making process. These are real positives for the St. Lucie Estuary.

Meanwhile, the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area northeast of Indiantown is now in the testing phase. It was designed to treat runoff (rainwater) before it gets into the St. Lucie Canal, and is already reducing phosphorous content by 80%. During the testing process, the C-44 water level is being held at 10 feet, but will go up 15 feet when the process is completed in 2026. The C-44 is thus an important step forward to make Estuary water healthier.

The Corps’ other big project impacting us is the huge A-2 Stormwater Treatment Area south of the lake. When it’s done, the Corps will be able to send a lot more water south; enough to lower the lake level by half a foot, in fact. Alas, these things take a long, long time to build; the A-2 won’t be fully operational for another 6-8 years. Col. Bowman stressed, however, that only water from the lake will flow through the A-2 project; it is not a place for Big Sugar to dump their runoff.

John Maehle, from Martin County, reported that they have planted 13 acres of seagrass so far this year. He also proudly announced the county has met 100% of their regulatory benchmarks, adding that “we always try to exceed them, not just meet them”.

Finally, a sour note: Mark Perry reported that conditions in the Estuary were “very bad” due to all the rain runoff of late which have lowered salinity levels significantly. Given all the rain Hurricane Helene dumped on the West Coast, Georgia and North Carolina, though, “very bad” is a whole lot better than what those folks have to deal with.

-- Walter Deemer, Martin County League of Women Voters

Amendment #4 Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:54:00 GMT

Ballot Language :

No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

Synopsis :

The following is the history of abortion regulations in Florida:

In 2022, in a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court of the United States found there was no federal constitutional right to abortion and overruled Roe v. Wade (1973). It was left to the states to regulate abortion.

Before 2022, abortions were legal in Florida up to the federal limits of Roe. In 2004, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions. In 2012, voters rejected an amendment limiting public funds for abortion. In 2022, the Florida legislature passed a bill which created a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks. And in 2023, the Florida legislature passed a second bill, to ban abortion after six weeks (limited exceptions for the life of the woman, rape, or incest). The six-week ban took effect on May 1, 2024.

Proposed Amendment 4 states that the government cannot interfere with a woman’s decision to have an abortion up to viability (see definition below). After viability, if abortion is necessary to protect the woman’s health, that decision is between the woman and her medical care provider.

This amendment does not mandate unlimited abortion in Florida. The amendment does not override parental notification for an abortion in Florida. This amendment allows abortion before fetal viability (see definition below) or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider.

In the State of Florida, viability is defined by Florida Statute Title XXIX - Public Health, Chapter 390, 390.011. “Viability” means the stage of fetal development when the life of a fetus is sustainable outside the womb through standard medical measures. During all of 2021 and the 1st half of 2022, under Roe v. Wade, the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration reported that 0% of abortions were performed in the 3rd trimester (beginning of 24th week).

Proposed Amendment 4 was placed on the ballot through a citizen’s initiative. Since 2022, seven U. S. States have had an abortion-related Amendment on the ballot. Four of those amendments were written to create a constitutional right to abortion and all four amendments passed. Three of the proposed amendments were written to prohibit abortion and all three were defeated.

Supporters, including Floridians Protecting Freedom, the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Florida Rising, SEIU 1199 Florida, Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida, Florida Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters of Florida, say “All Floridians deserve the freedom to make personal medical decisions, free of government intrusion.”

Opponents, including the Republican Party of Florida, Florida Voters Against Extremism, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Family Policy Council, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Florida Family Action, say the amendment is too vague and will lead to an unregulated abortion industry.

A Yes Vote Would ...: Prevent any law from prohibiting, penalizing, delaying, or restricting abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider.

A No Vote Would ...: Not provide a constitutional right to abortion before viability and leave Florida’s current 6-week abortion ban in place.

Amendment #5 Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 13:56:14 GMT

Ballot Language :

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require an annual adjustment for inflation to the value of current or future homestead exemptions that apply solely to levies other than school district levies and for which every person who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains thereon the permanent residence of the owner, or another person legally or naturally dependent upon the owner is eligible. This amendment takes effect January 1, 2025.

Synopsis:

Property taxes (millage rates) are set by counties, school districts, cities, and special districts. Homes in Florida are assessed at just value or market value minus the homestead exemption. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a property. A primary residence is eligible for a $25,000 homestead exemption from all property taxes. For homestead’s value between $50,000 and $75,000, another $25,000 homestead exemption is applied, which exempts that amount from all property taxes, except school district taxes.

This amendment would apply an annual inflation adjustment for the property tax exemption applied to the value of the homestead between $50,000 and $75,000. The adjustment would be made every year on January 1 (beginning 2025) based on the percent change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. The adjustment would occur only if the CPI increases. There is no adjustment if the CPI decreases.

This amendment would decrease the amount of tax dollars available for counties, cities and special districts budgets for programs and services. Although there would be no impact to school district taxes, the estimated impact on non-school local government property taxes in Fiscal Year 2025-26 (the first year of implementation) would be an approximate reduction of $22.8 million in tax revenue, growing to an approximate reduction of $111.8 million in 2028-29, assuming current tax rates.

This amendment was referred to the ballot by the 2024 Florida Legislature. (Senate: 25 Yes to 15 No; House: 86 Yes to 29 No)

Supporters , including the majority of the Florida Legislature, say the amendment could lead to more savings for property owners who apply for homestead property tax exemptions.

Opponents , including the Florida League of Cities, say the amendment would reduce revenue available to cities and counties by millions of dollars.

A Yes Vote Would.. .: Increase the homestead exemption amount each January 1, beginning 2025, if the Consumer Price Index increases, thereby reducing the amount of property taxes on primary residences and reducing the amount of tax dollars available for county, city and special district programs and services.

A No Vote Would ...: Leave the current homestead exemption amount as is.

Amendment #3 Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 13:51:28 GMT

Ballot Language:

Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.

Synopsis:

Presently, non-medical possession and use of marijuana is illegal under state and federal law and violators of that law are subject to criminal prosecution depending upon the amount of marijuana they possess or use.

Proposed Amendment 3 would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three (3) ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five (5) grams in the form of concentrate. Existing medical marijuana treatment centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The State Legislature could modify state law to permit the licensing of entities other than existing medical marijuana treatment centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products.

The amendment’s financial impact primarily comes from expected sales tax collections. If the amendment passes, sales of non-medical marijuana would be subject to sales tax. Based on other states’ experiences, expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana would generate between $195.6 and $431.3 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational. If Florida adds an excise tax, like some other states that have legalized recreational marijuana, the amount of new revenue could more than double. A new regulatory structure will be needed, but regulatory costs estimated to be $11.4 million after the first year, will probably be offset by regulatory fee income.

This amendment was placed on the ballot through a citizen’s initiative. Currently, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana. This amendment would not bar additional legislation from restricting where people can smoke, such as legislation that restricts people from smoking tobacco and vaping on state beaches. Additionally, marijuana is still illegal at the Federal level, meaning it is still not allowed on Federal land or college campuses that receive federal funding.

Supporters, including Smart & Safe Florida, Trulieve, Howard Bellamy and David Bellamy, say that tax revenue from the legal cannabis industry for federal and state governments are projected to reach over $4 billion in 2025, and there is no evidence that legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use at the state level, as 37 states have already done, has boosted underage consumption from the regulated marketplace.

Opponents, including Floridians Against Recreational Marijuana, Drug Free America, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Attorney General, Ashley Moody, and the Florida Republican Party, say the proposed amendment is misleading and marijuana is illegal under federal law and will remain illegal even if proposed Amendment 3 passes. Additionally, some fear usage may lead to use of more serious addictive illegal drugs.

A Yes Vote Would…: Legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida by adults 21 years old and older, allowing individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and authorizing existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories. Allow the Florida Legislature to enact additional legislation restricting where people can smoke and to license other entities to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories.

A No Vote Would…: Not legalize marijuana for adult recreational use in Florida and maintain the current regulations for medical use.

Amendment #2 -Right to Hunt & Fish

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:13:40 GMT

Vote411 Voter Guide– Florida Proposed Amendments

General Election – November 5th, 2024

Florida Amendment 2- Right to Fish and Hunt

Ballot Language:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section of Article IV of the State Constitution.

Synopsis:

The right to hunt and fish is presently in the Florida Statutes. In 2002, Florida Statute Title XXVIII, Chapter 372 recognized that “hunting, fishing, and the taking of game are a valued part of the cultural heritage of Florida, and as such, should be preserved for Floridians”.

The proposed Amendment 2 contains two provisions. One would provide and preserve forever a state constitutional right to hunt and fish. The second would declare that hunting and fishing are the preferred means of "responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife."

This amendment was referred to the ballot by a majority vote of the 2023 Legislature. (Senate: 38 Yes to 1 No; House: 116 Yes to 0 No)

As of 2023, a total of 23 states had constitutional provisions that protected the right to hunt and fish. However, only 11 of these 23 states specify in their constitutions that hunting and fishing shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife and fish.

Supporters of this amendment, including All Florida, American Sportfishing Association, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsman Foundation, Delta Waterfowl, Everglades Coordinating Council, Florida Airboat Association, Florida Guides Association, Florida Sportsman’s Conservation Association, Future Hunting in Florida, International Order of T. Roosevelt, National Deer Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Safari Club International, state the economic value of fishing and hunting provides Florida with approximately $15 billion annually and that enshrining the right in the constitutions will ensure that there are no future bans on fishing and hunting.

Opponents, including Sierra Club Florida, Humane Wildlife Consulting of South Florida, American Ecosystems, Inc., Animal Wellness Action, Bear Defenders, Center for a Humane Economy, Florida Bar Animal Law Section, Humane Society of the US, League of Humane Voters of Florida, One Protest, Paws and Recreation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Save-a-Turtle.org, Speak Up for Wildlife, World Animal Protection, are concerned that science-based methods of managing and controlling wildlife and fish will become secondary to hunting and fishing. The phrase “traditional methods” could be interpreted as a return to currently prohibited methods of hunting and fishing, such as steel traps, spearfishing and gill nets. They also say, if we have a statute protecting the right to hunt and fish already, why does this need to be placed in the Constitution now? Opponents warn of potential interference with private property rights by trespassing hunters.

A Yes Vote Would...: Establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida and the preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.

A No Vote Would...: Not establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish, but the 2002 Florida statute preserving the right to hunt and fish would remain in place.

August/September Newsletter

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:55:34 GMT

Amendment #1 - Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:39:51 GMT

Vote411 Voter Guide– Florida Proposed Amendments

General Election – November 5th, 2024

Florida Amendment 1- Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

Ballot Language:

Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election and to specify that the amendment only applies to elections held on or after the November 2026 general election. However, partisan primary elections may occur before the 2026 general election for purposes of nominating political party candidates to that office for placement on the 2026 general election ballot.

Synopsis:

School board elections in Florida are currently non-partisan. That means all registered voters, no matter their party affiliation, can currently vote for the school board candidate of their choice in the primary and the general elections. In addition, candidates for school board races, like candidates for all nonpartisan offices, are currently prohibited from campaigning based on party affiliation.

Florida had partisan school board elections until 1998 when voters approved Amendment 11 with 64% of the vote. Amendment 11 prohibited partisan primaries and party labels in school board elections. Amendment 11 was referred to the ballot by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. Florida is one of 41 states with state laws providing for nonpartisan school board elections.

Proposed Amendment 1 was referred to the ballot by a majority vote in the 2023 Legislature. (Senate: 29 Yes to 11 No; House: 79 Yes to 34 No).

Proposed Amendment 1 would require members of district school boards to be elected in partisan elections, with their political party designated on the ballot.

Since Florida is a “closed” primary state, only voters registered with a political party can vote for candidates in their party’s primary election. Voters registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) cannot, by law, vote in any partisan primary election. Other local offices such as county commissioners, supervisor of elections, state attorneys and public defenders are currently partisan races, while judges and many city councils are nonpartisan races. Closed partisan primaries exclude nearly 30% of registered voters who are classified as NPAs, nearly 4 million voters.

Opponents to this amendment, including Florida Tax Watch and the League of Women Voters of Florida, argue that partisan school board races would exclude NPAs from voting in primaries and increase political polarization. Schools should not be politicized and everyone should be welcome at schools regardless of party affiliation.

Supporters of the amendment , including the majority of the Florida Legislature, state that since public education has become polarized through cultural issues reflected in new legislation that school board elections may have already become partisan. Additionally, a candidate’s party affiliation may predict how they will vote on controversial school board issues.

A Yes Vote Would ...: Change School Board elections to partisan elections beginning in 2026, requiring the candidate’s political party to be designated on the ballot and triggering closed primary elections.

A No Vote Would ...: Leave School Board elections as nonpartisan elections with no closed primaries, allowing all voters to vote for any candidate.

National Popular Vote Myth

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:53:02 GMT

MYTH: Big cities, such as Los Angeles, would control a nationwide popular vote for President.

In a nationwide vote for President, a vote cast in a big city would be no more (or less) valuable or important than a vote cast in a suburb, an exurb, a small town, or a rural area.

When every vote is equal, candidates know that they need to solicit voters throughout their entire constituency to win.

A candidate cannot win a statewide election in California by concentrating on Los Angeles. When Ronald Reagan, George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger ran for Governor, Los Angeles did not receive all the attention. In fact, none of these four most-recent Republican Governors ever carried Los Angeles (or San Francisco, San Jose, or Oakland). Los Angeles certainly does not control the outcome of statewide elections in California. If Los Angeles cannot control statewide elections in its own state, it can hardly control a nationwide election.

It is certainly true that most of the biggest cities in the country vote Democratic. However, the exurbs, small towns, and rural areas usually vote Republican.

If big cities controlled the outcome of elections, every Governor and every U.S. Senator in every state with a significant city would be a Democrat. There are examples from every state where Republicans have won races for Governor and U.S. Senator without ever carrying the big cities of their respective states.

Perhaps the best illustration of the fact that big cities do not control elections comes from looking at the way that presidential races are run today inside battleground states.

Inside a battleground state in a presidential election today, every vote is equal, and the winner is the candidate who receives the most popular votes in that state.

When presidential candidates campaign to win the electoral votes of a closely divided battleground state, they campaign throughout the state. The big cities do not receive all the attention, much less control the outcome. Philadelphia and Charlotte certainly do not receive all the attention when presidential candidates have campaigned in the closely divided battleground states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

In the 2000 and 2004 elections, Cleveland and Miami did not control the statewide outcomes in Ohio and Florida. The Democrats carried both Cleveland and Miami in 2000 and 2004, but the Republicans carried both states. In fact, Senator John Kerry won the five biggest cities in Ohio in 2004, but he did not win the state.

The origins of the myth about big cities may stem from the misconceptions that big cities are bigger than they are, and that big cities account for a greater fraction of the nation’s population than they do.

A look at our country’s actual demographics contradicts these misconceptions concerning big cities. See document “Largest Cities in the United States by Population.xlsx”.

As can be seen in that document, the population of the nation’s five biggest cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix) represents only 6% of the nation’s population of 331,449,281 (based on the 2020 census).

The population of the nation’s 20 biggest cities represents only 10% of the nation’s population. To put this group of 20 cities in perspective, Nashville is the nation’s 20th biggest city, with a population of 715,884 in 2020.

The population of the 50 biggest cities together accounts for only 15% of the nation’s population. To put this group of 50 cities in perspective, Aurora, Colorado is the nation’s 50th biggest city, with a population of 386,261 in 2020.

To put it another way, 85% of the population of the United States lives in places with a population of less than 386,000 (the population of Aurora, Colorado).

Even if one makes the far-fetched assumption that a candidate could win 100% of the votes in the nation’s 50 biggest cities, that candidate would have won only 15% of the national popular vote.

In a nationwide vote for President, a vote cast in a big city would be no more (or less) valuable or controlling than a vote cast in a suburb, an exurb, a small town, or a rural area.

The current state-by-state winner-take-all system does not throttle the political importance of big cities in presidential elections. Big cities, such as Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, that are in closely divided battleground states are critically important in presidential races (as are the suburban, ex-urban, and rural parts of their states). However, big cities such as Houston, San Diego, and Seattle, that are in spectator states, are politically irrelevant (as are all other parts of those states).

The current state-by-state winner-take-all system elevates the political importance of a city such as Milwaukee that is in the battleground state of Wisconsin, while minimizing the importance of cities such as Houston and Baltimore that are in spectator states.

Under the National Popular Vote compact, every vote would be equal throughout the United States. A vote cast in a big state would be no more, or less, valuable or controlling than a vote cast anywhere else.

An additional indication of the way that a nationwide presidential campaign would be run comes from the way that national advertisers conduct nationwide sales campaigns. National advertisers (e.g., Ford, Coca-Cola) seek out customers in small, medium-sized, and large towns as well as rural areas in every state. National advertisers do not advertise exclusively in big cities. Instead, they go after every potential customer, regardless of where the customer is located. National advertisers do not write off a particular state merely because a competitor already has an 8% lead in sales in that state (whereas presidential candidates routinely do this because of the current state-by-state winner-take-all system). Furthermore, a national advertiser with an 8% edge in a particular state does not stop trying to make additional sales because they are already No. 1 in sales in that state (whereas presidential candidates routinely do this under the current system).

Agenda Review BOCC 7/9

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:52:26 GMT

The Martin County Board of County Commissioners will approve four development proposals at Tuesday’s meeting and will approve non ad valorem and solid waste assessment resolutions without public discussion or explanation.

Development proposals that will be presented for approval include a plat for a residential subdivision to be built by D.R. Horton on SW Kanner Highway north of SW Tropical Avenue called Twin Oaks - formerly called Kanner Oaks.

Agenda Item DPQJ-1 will authorize the new D.R. Horton project to proceed with a 28-unit subdivision on 16.86 acres near the Florida Turnpike overpass in Stuart.

Other development approvals on Tuesday’s agenda include:

Final site plan approval for the West Jensen P.U.D., Phase 1, to construct a 5,300-square-foot car wash on 1.77 acres of vacant land on NW Federal Highway near Golden Rod Road in Jensen Beach (Agenda Item DPQJ-2);

Agenda Item PH-1 to approve an amendment to the Future Land Use Map to designate a .13-acre abandoned right-of-way at the intersection of SE Vulcan Avenue and SE Athena Street in Hoe Sound for CRA Center use (up to 15 units per acre); and

Agenda Item PH-2 to adopt an ordinance amending the Land Development Regulations, Community Redevelopment Code, to re-zone the abandoned right-of-way at SE Vulcan Avenue and SE Athena Street as CRA Center Subdistrict.

On the Consent Agenda, which is approved by a single vote at the beginning of the meeting without public explanation or discussion, Commissioners will approve a resolution to adopt special assessment rolls for capital improvements in North River Shores, Sugarhill, St. Lucie Shores/Tiburon, Palm Brook Court, Old Port Salerno, S.E. Gull Lane, Fern Creek, Crane Creek, Orchid Bay, Palm Lake Estates, S.W. Honey Terrace, S.E. Flamingo Drive, S.E. Karin Street, Mack Dairy Road, Hibiscus Park/Paramount Estates, James Villas, Golden Gate, Hideaway Isles, and the Western Extension (Consent Agenda Item CNST-10).

Consent Agenda Item CNST-11 will also be approved without discussion, which is a resolution to adopt solid waste service assessments for each single family dwelling unit in the County for collection, disposal and administrative costs in the amount of $444.69, which is an approximately 5% increase over the current assessment of $421.65. A public hearing will be conducted on August 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., in County Commission Chambers.

The Commission will hold a private session at noon to discuss litigation filed against the County and the South Water Management District by Be A Man Buy Land, LLC, seeking access to property in the Pal-Mar subdivision where there have been serious problems of unrestrained firing of weapons from “recreation areas” within Pal-Mar which project bullets onto neighboring residential property in the Trailside Ranch community. The attorney-client session scheduled as Agenda Item DEPT-4 is for the purpose of reviewing the County’s strategy and litigation expenses incurred in defending the lawsuit.

In Item DEPT-3, staff is seeking approval to reallocate some of the County’s $31 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds from completed projects to other eligible projects. The staff-prepared agenda summary is unclear, making it difficult to determine how funds have been expended to date. For instance, it appears that the County chose to spend $2.5 million of the grant funds on park improvements while allocating only $100,000.00 for rental assistance to residents in need of shelter.

In other items on Tuesday’s agenda:

The Consent Agenda includes the usual approval of the Clerk’s Warrant, reflecting $30,366,191.00 in expenditures of taxpayer dollars between June 3 and June 23, 2024 without disclosing the payees or the purpose of the payments (Item CNST-2);

Also to be approved in secret on the Consent Agenda is a “presentation” by the Martin County Tax Collector of recapitulation of the 2023 assessment roll to reflect discounts, errors, bankruptcies and other unexplained, inexplicable issues related to local tax collections (Item CNST-4);

Consent Agenda CNST-7 is a reduction of a $1,264,175.00 code enforcement fine assessed against a property on NW Sunset Boulevard in Jensen Beach to $21,625.00 to be paid to eliminate the County’s lien against the property;

Agenda Item DEPT-1 seeks approval of $8 million in contracts over five years for grinder station installation and septic conversion ($3 million to The Lazarus Group, Inc.) and marine services ($5 million to Brothers’ Construction, Inc., Custom Built Marine Construction, Inc., and Commissioner Stacey Hetherington’s private employer, Ferreira Construction Co., Inc.); and

Item DEPT-2 will approve applications and receipt of various grant funding and budgetary adjustments, including an item authorizing payment of $100,000.00 to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council for a Western Land Study to be conducted over 8 months to review past planning and options for future protection of the County’s western lands.

Agenda items may be viewed and downloaded at https://martin.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=35023&GUID=98D7CC54-EF7D-4C4C-8084-1AF34C623D6E

E-mail commissioners about matters that interest you at sheard@martin.fl.us, eciampi@martin.fl.us, dsmith@martin.fl.us, hjenkins@martin.fl.us, shetherington@martin.fl.us with copies to the County Administrator and County Attorney at ddonalds@martin.fl.us and swoods@martin.fl.us.

July Newsletter

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:20:27 GMT

WQCS Kevin Kerrigan Interview with Rosie & Linda

linda@seashelldigital.com (Linda Horstmyer) — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:47:01 GMT

Aired June 15, 2024

June Newsletter

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 20:23:38 GMT

Rivers Coalition Meeting Recap

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:23:38 GMT

Meeting - May 24, 2024

This month’s Rivers Coalition meeting focus was on the ever-present threat cyanotoxin (blue-green algae) poses to the St. Lucie River and Estuary and the problems monitoring it.

The good news: Federal cyanotoxin standards are already in place. They were established five years ago by the Federal Clean Waters Act so states could detect threats before an actual bloom occurred.

The bad news: Florida has ignored those standards. (Technically, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection isn’t required to accept those cyanotoxin standards --- but is required to explain why not. It hasn't.)

According to federal law, the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the quantity of water in the Lake Okeechobee system -- but the state of Florida is responsible for the quality of that water. Since Florida doesn’t have any standards for harmful toxin levels, water monitoring is inadequate and, when harmful algae is present, public notifications are sporadic.

Environmental groups think the time has come to take action.

“Five years is enough”, said Jason Totolu, the Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. That organization is heading a multi-group effort formally requesting, via petitions, that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency step in and set limits on algae toxins in Florida. The goal: Help protect both human and aquatic life health and, with water management agencies adhering to those standards, prevent toxin laden water from being discharged into rivers and the ocean.

The Rivers Coalition is supporting this effort on behalf of its 106 member organizations. At some point in the EPA review process, though, letters of support from the general public will be appropriate. I’ll let you know when that time comes.

In other developments:

* The more than five-year process of developing a new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual, which will replace the current 2008 version -- and which is much more environmentally-friendly -- is finally nearing the finish line. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to sign the final version and implement it in mid-August.

* Lake Okeechobee, thanks to a very helpful dry season, has dropped to 13.2 feet – three feet lower than it was in March. The Corps is “very optimistic” they can get through the hurricane season without needing to do any discharges. (They know as well as we do that the media has been deluging us with forecasts of a much more active hurricane season than usual – but the real issue isn't how many there are but how many end up affecting our area.)

* The City of Stuart is installing 300 oyster beds along the Riverwalk.

* The South Florida Water Management District is starting to monitor health, fish and plant life criteria much more intensively than in the past. This will give water managers much more data to incorporate in their decision-making process.

But the good news is that health issues are being weighed much, much more heavily in managers’ decision-making process now than in the past. It’s not just gallons of water any more.

-- Walter Deemer

Important County Commission Meeting Agenda for 4/30

linda@seashelldigital.com (Linda Horstmyer) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:59:24 GMT

Martin County Commissioners will vote on four Rural Lifestyle development proposals on Tuesday in a lengthy and complex agenda.

In addition to proposals to advance the Calusa Creek Ranch and Discovery projects, Commissioners will consider an assessment for the Harbor Estates/Gaines Avenue water main extension, a plat for the Pentalago Phase II project in Palm City, and a draft of a tentative $1.22 billion Capital Improvements Plan for Fiscal Year 2025.

Agenda Items PH-3 and PH-4 seek approval of a Comprehensive Plan text amendment and a Future Land Use Map amendment to authorize development of the 3,460-acre Calusa Creek Ranch project, now known as the Ranch Planned Unit Development. More than 250 pages of Public Comments – mostly in opposition to the project – are included in the agenda summary, although many recent adverse comments have been omitted by staff. The Ranch PUD, which is located more than a mile outside the Urban Services Boundary, would allow extension of public utilities and clustered residential development including 175 single-family homes, two golf courses and a boat docking facility on land now designated for agricultural use.

In recommending approval of the amendments, staff ignores South Florida Water Management District comments which opposed the FLUM amendment because the property is located within the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) footprint and the proposed project fails to provide assurance of adequate stormwater management and water quality protection.

Commissioners Sarah Heard and Harold Jenkins voted against the Calusa Creek Ranch amendments when they were transmitted to state agencies for review. The amendments were approved by Commissioners Ed Ciampi, Doug Smith and Stacey Hetherington.

Tuesday’s vote seeks final approval of the amendments along with a proposal to adopt a Planned Unit Development Agreement for the Ranch PUD and a master and phasing development plan for the project on SW Kanner Highway near SW Bridge Road (Agenda Item PHQJ-1).

NOTE: Commissioners who vote to approve the Ranch PUD amendments will be voting to destroy the Urban Services Boundary and allow adverse impacts to land within CERP to restore the Everglades. Can these Commissioners be trusted to properly spend millions of taxpayer dollars raised by a half-cent sales tax increase to acquire environmentally sensitive lands for conservation? Voters should think twice about approving the half-cent sales tax referendum in November if Commissioners approve the Ranch PUD amendments and continue to allow irresponsible development in rural and environmentally important lands.

Agenda Item DPQJ-2 seeks approval of a plat for another Rural Lifestyle project that was previously approved – Discovery – to develop 317 single-family residential lots off SW Bridge Road near the I-95 interchange in Hobe Sound.

Comp Plan amendments to facilitate the Discovery project were approved by Commissioners Harold Jenkins, Doug Smith and Stacey Hetherington (who assured voters before her re-election that she would oppose the project and then flip-flopped to cast the deciding vote in favor of Discovery at the first Commission meeting after the election).

Staff has failed to insist on compliance with the ordinance that requires full disclosure of individuals who benefit from development approvals by submitting a “Disclosure of Interest Affidavit” that identifies “every natural person and entity with any legal or equitable interest in the property” which is the subject of the application. The Disclosure of Interest Affidavit for Discovery identifies five limited liability companies but names only one person as an owner of two of the five entities.

The purpose of the Disclosure of Interest Affidavit is to make sure that the public knows whether any commissioners, staff members, campaign donors, or lobbyists will benefit from approval of a development application. In a common and clearly intentional violation of the Martin County Land Development Regulations, staff consistently refuse to insist on properly completed Disclosure of Interest Affidavits despite repeated requests for compliance. The Affidavit submitted to the Local Planning Agency earlier this month for the Calusa Creek Ranch application was “amended” by the County Attorney’s Office at the last minute, after citizens complained about failure to disclose the names of individuals who own the property.

In addition to the Discovery plat, Commissioners will vote to approve a plat for the Pentalago Phase II project for 16 of 42 units in the single-family subdivision north of I-95 and east of SW Citrus Boulevard in Palm City. (Agenda Item DPQJ-1)

Item PH-1 seeks approval of a final assessment resolution to extend public water lines to the Harbor Estates/Gaines Avenue area at a cost of $9,808.53 per unit, payable at an annual rate of $627.32 for 20 years beginning in November 2025.

A workshop is scheduled as Agenda Item WORK-1 to review the tentative Capital Improvements Plan for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins October 1. The tentative Plan includes expenditures of $1,223,918,591.00 with revenues of $909,942,256.00 over 10 years. The most costly categories for proposed Capital Improvements are roads, utilities, coastal, public buildings and law enforcement. The least costly categories are the library, public transit, solid waste, fire rescue, the airport, and ecosystem restoration and management.

The Consent Agenda includes 19 items that will be approved in a single vote at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting without public discussion of any of the proposals, including:

– Item CNST-2, the Clerk’s Warrant disclosing expenditures of $29,566,363.14 in taxpayer dollars between March 25 and April 14, 2024, without disclosing the names of the payees or the purpose of the payments;

– Items CNST-11, CNST-12 and CNST-13 approving reductions in code enforcement fines to be collected by the County from $1,589,152.50 to $58,825.00;

– Item CNST-15 accepting SW Earl Avenue in Palm City into the County Road Inventory, converting the roadway from private to public ownership and maintenance, with the cost of constructing needed improvements to be paid by taxpayers; and

– Item CNST-19 approving an agreement for the County to provide building official, inspection and plan review services to the Village of Indiantown for one year, with the Village to reimburse the County $130.00 an hour for the Building Official’s time, $117.50 an hour for the Assistant Building Official’s time, and $105.00 an hour for Inspector’s and Plan Reviewer’s time.

Other items on the public portion of the agenda include:

– Item DEPT-2 seeking approval of more than $3.5 million in contracts for water main extension within the Harbor Estates/Gaines Avenue area ($1,444,778.00 to Jamie Underground, Inc.), tree pruning, removal and installation on road rights-of-way and County-owned properties ($1,000,000 over 5 years to All Florida Tree and Landscape, Inc., Sherlock Tree Company (no relation to Ginny Sherlock) and Tri-Brothers Tree and Landscaping, Inc.), and Bathtub Beach and Sailfish Point beach renourishment ($1,095,879.52 increase to previously approved contract for $5,921,000.00 making a total contract of $7,016,879.52 to Atlantic & Gulf Dredging and Marine, LLC);

– Item DPQJ-3 seeking a resolution to grant a variance to reduce the required width from 50 feet to 30 feet for a portion of NE Mango Terrace off Skyline Drive in Jensen Beach and to accept the as yet unbuilt roadway into the County Road Inventory (there are no reports or permits included in the agenda summary to confirm that the proposed roadway will meet requirements of the County engineering division for open roads);

– Item DEPT-5 seeking approval of a request by the Martin County School Board to place a referendum on the November general election ballot to renew an ad valorem tax increase by up to one-half mill per year for four years; and

– Item DEPT-3 seeking concurrence by the Board of County Commissioners with the selection of Nicholas Clifton as administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Martin County (to be heard at 9:30 a.m.).

Agenda items may be viewed and downloaded at https://martin.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=35023&GUID=98D7CC54-EF7D-4C4C-8084-1AF34C623D6E

E-mail commissioners about matters that interest you at sheard@martin.fl.us, eciampi@martin.fl.us, dsmith@martin.fl.us, hjenkins@martin.fl.us, shetherington@martin.fl.us with copies to the County Administrator and County Attorney at ddonalds@martin.fl.us and swoods@martin.fl.us.

April Newsletter

linda@seashelldigital.com (Linda Horstmyer) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:05:28 GMT

Rivers Coalition Meeting Report

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:35:25 GMT

Updates:

This month’s Rivers Coalition meeting was held just five days after the Army Corps of Engineers started discharging water from Lake Okeechobee down the St. Lucie Canal and into our estuary. A standing room-only audience came to the Stuart City Hall to find out “Why?”

Col. James Booth from the ACE explained that the Corps has several missions with regard to managing the lake. Until earlier this month, they had been prioritizing their Environmental Protection mission. However, the lake level failed to go down during the “dry season” and, in fact, has been slowly rising since mid-December. This put the lake level several feet higher than it should be at this stage, which in turn suggested it was very likely to be dangerously-high in June when the “wet season” begin. The Corps thus felt it necessary to prioritize another of their missions – Flood Prevention and Human Safety – which meant they had to start discharging water from the lake.

The specific numbers: The lake level is currently 16.4 feet. It should be no higher than 14.5 feet at this time of year. The Corps has therefore scheduled a series of discharges down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Canals and through outlets to the south that should bring the level down to 14.5 feet by April 1.

Several critical points emerged during the presentation:

1) ALL the water that flows south – which is where we want it to go -- MUST go through a Storm Treatment Area. 90% of the water in the STA’s, though, comes from the Everglades Agricultural Area – Big Sugar – and only 10% from the lake. The EAA – Big Sugar – is thus not bearing their fair share of the adverse impacts of the discharges.

2) A multi-billion dollar project of reinforcing the dike around Lake Okeechobee has now been completed. Before that, the “limited risk” lake level was 18.5 feet and the critical level was 21 feet. Congressman Mast pointed out that obviously those levels were now higher than that and asked just how much higher they were. Col. Booth could not provide the answer. (Obviously, higher risk levels would reduce, perhaps greatly, or even eliminate the Corps’ need to do discharges.)

The bottom line, though, is that discharges down the St. Lucie Canal and into our estuary have begun. Hopefully, the environmental damage will be minimal, but that is something we will know only in the fullness of time.

To end on a positive note: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, our local environmental heroine, pointed out that Col. Booth and SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett both attended the Rivers Coalition meeting in person to listen to and address our concerns. Their willingness to reach out to us is a big and much-appreciated change from the way it was several years ago. As long as there is dialogue there is hope…

-- Walter Deemer

March 2024 Newsletter

linda@seashelldigital.com (Linda Horstmyer) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:22:46 GMT

February 2024 Newsletter

linda@seashelldigital.com (Linda Horstmyer) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:16:39 GMT

January 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:08:45 GMT

Potential Obstacles to put Abortion On The Ballot

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:34:07 GMT

Happening

“The attorney general is required to petition the court to rule on proposed initiatives when they hit a threshold of verified signatures. The abortion question qualified with 222,881. Moody is not required to oppose them. It is difficult to conceive of any dealing with abortion rights, marijuana legalization or guns to which she would not manufacture an objection. The job of Florida attorney general has long been called ‘the people’s lawyer.’ Moody is not.”

– South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Board

The entire point of the struggle in Florida, and across the country, to pass initiatives restoring access to abortion care, is to stop politicians from interfering with what should be private decisions we make about our own bodies. The level of interference we’re seeing just trying to get these questions before voters is a perfect example of what Floridians, and Americans, are so frustrated about.

The fact is, across the country, every time voters have had the chance to have their say, they have reaffirmed support for abortion access and against political meddling in our personal lives. The only play desperate politicians have left is to try to rig the system so voters never get the chance to have their say, as Attorney General Ashley Moody did when she announced her intention to silence voters and stop them from ever getting a chance to vote on our ballot initiative.

This week, the state is holding a public workshop as part of a Fiscal Impact Estimating Conference to determine if our amendment will have a fiscal impact on the state. We’re monitoring the process closely to ensure if they try to use it as a way to interfere with our amendment, as we’ve seen happen in places like Missouri, we’ll be ready.

In The Media

Opinion writers are starting to weigh in on Attorney General Moody’s attempts to silence voters. The Palm Beach Post’s Frank Cerabino responded this way: Fla. Attorney General Ashley Moody tries to sow confusion over abortion vote. And the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorialized, Attorney general moves to silence voters once again.

The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times reported on the origins of our campaign in their story, Florida could vote on abortion in 2024. Meet the group behind the push. Check out the pictures of our volunteers and supporters in the story! Excerpt: Some of the petitions received by Floridians Protecting Freedom include notes: “thank you for doing this” scrawled on a yellow Post-it note or ripped-off piece of notebook paper, longer letters sharing stories from decades ago, questions about how people can help in their areas. A dedicated group of volunteers meet weekly to sort through petitions mailed to a P.O. Box in Sarasota. Note: non-firewalled link via Yahoo! Is here.

Volunteers meet weekly in Sarasota to sort through petitions mailed in to the campaign's post office box. [ Courtesy of Floridians Protecting Freedom ]

The Orlando Weekly reports, Out of state abortions in Florida up nearly 25% as six-week abortion ban looms. Excerpt: A campaign to let Florida voters decide in 2024 whether Florida should expand abortion access up to fetal viability (again) was launched in May. It’s gaining significant ground, despite lacking confidence from Florida’s Republican State Attorney General, who wants the state Supreme Court to trash it before it can make it onto the ballot.

June 22 Rivers Coalition Meeting

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:09:39 GMT

June 22 Rivers Coalition Meeting

The June 22nd Rivers Coalition meeting focused on the mushrooming threat of a harmful discharge this summer from Lake Okeechobee. The big problem: The lake - currently loaded with toxic algae -- is a full foot higher than it should be at this time of year with the rainy season beginning. On top of that, above average precipitation is being forecast for our area this summer. The combination poses a terrifying threat to our river and estuary; the closest precedents are the environmentally-disastrous years of 2016 and 2018.

Ben Hogarth, from the City of Stuart, and John Maehi, from Martin County, presented the plans to deal with any toxic discharges.

Mr. Hogarth noted the current El Nino conditions (above average water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean) typically lead to more tropical systems in the Atlantic than usual, adding that it is unusual to see so many tropical waves coming off Africa this early. This creates a threat of too much rain in our area creating a higher lake level and increasing the threat that the Army Corps of Engineers would be required to release water down the St. Lucie Canal -- water full of toxic algae.

Mr. Maehl shared Martin County's Algae Response strategy. He is

optimistic: The Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Health and the Army Corps of Engineers are all much more responsive to health issues now than they were in 2016 and 2018. He noted that the SFWMD now leads an "all hands on deck" response to toxic algae which has generated positive results: the algae bloom two years ago at the Pahokee Marina was successfully handled.

One nagging problem: The Corps of Engineers still has to follow the old lake management schedule (LORS) rather than the new one (LOSOM) that was supposed to have gone into effect this summer but has been delayed. LORS permits greater discharges at lower lake levels than the new LOSOM does. Fortunately, Lt. Col. Polk, from the Corps of Engineers, told us they were well aware of this distinction and were going to consider the more accommodative(and more estuary-friendly LOSOM guidelines in their decision-making process.

The bottom line: The agencies believe they are ready, willing and able to deal with any toxic algae that shows up in our area - and urged us: "If you suspect you're seeing toxic algae, REPORT IT!"

Finally, a bittersweet note: Our pleas to the Governor to keep Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch on the South Florida Water Management District's Governing Board fell on deaf ears. Her term expired this past Monday.

She received a standing ovation in thanks for her service to our area and her long, steadfast fight for clean water - a fight she vowed to continue whenever and wherever she could.

Walter Deemer

LWVMC Environmental Issues Chair