Posted on October 12 2018
From Now or Neverglades:
Just a few days ago, the cities of Cape Coral, Sanibel and Ft Myers Beach signed a joint petition asking the South Florida Water Management District to increase minimum dry season flows from Lake Okeechobee to try to mitigate the devastating effects of blue-green algae and red tide that have been wreaking havoc on these communities for months. The cities recognize that this would be a temporary fix, and only return of southern flow will provide a more permanent solution.
Our Now or Neverglades coalition has grown to over 80,000 likeminded organizations and individuals who believe a dynamic southern storage reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee that feeds scientifically sized filtration marshes can return as close to possible, clean, fresh water flow through the “Glades” to Florida Bay. We believe its implementation is the primary solution required to reduce the Caloosahatchee River and St Lucie River discharges while providing this water to Florida Bay where mother nature intended it to go.
This project is and has been recognized as the heart of the matter for decades. It is integral to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Central Everglades Planning Project CEPP). Now or Neverglades recognizes that there are other many other issues to address with Florida’s water problems, but will we stay focused here because without it all else is becomes folly.
Our politically elected officials and their appointees are responsible for making it happen or not happen. Florida’s primary saw its biggest turnout ever, and we hope that Florida voters will turn out in droves for the midterm election. Florida’s devastating water problems persist, and citizens are looking for candidates who will make fixing them a priority.
Please stay educated on the issues. Look to our founding member websites for information and news and we hope that you will consider the environment and the future of Florida’s water as you cast your vote this November. The Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, the IGFA and BTT are constantly updating with solid information.
Some of our founding members who are authorized to advocate; the Everglades Trust, Bullsugar.org and Florida Bay Forever will be offering voter guides in the next few weeks.
I offer a heartfelt thanks for all your support and trust you will make the best choices possible for our future.
Best,
