You’ve helped us defend the Everglades — now we press on

I want to start with a heartfelt thank you.

Because of your support, Friends of the Everglades has been in a position to mount a formidable challenge of the rogue detention center in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Since the words “Alligator Alcatraz” were first uttered this summer, you have helped us meet the moment to stop this boondoggle.

You peacefully protested along Tamiami Trail. Tens of thousands of you sent messages to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, demanding they halt this detention center that threatens Everglades wetlands and Florida panther habitat.

And a growing number of you have contributed to our Everglades Defense Fund, which gives horsepower to our legal fight. It has offered hope that government officials can be held accountable for complying with our country’s environmental laws.

Our lawsuit achieved a major success August 21, when a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that ordered the site be dismantled within 60 days. Predictably, the state and federal defendants appealed that injunction — and in a 2-1 ruling, a panel of appeals court judges paused the injunction Sept. 4 while the defendants’ appeal is pending.

We are prepared to bring our full might to the appeal in defense of the lower court’s decision.

Our cause is sound. The facts are on our side. We have an incredible legal team, led by Coffey Burlington and Earthjustice. Our co-plaintiffs, the Miccosukee Tribe and Center for Biological Diversity, are resolute.

This is about even more than the Everglades — it’s about standing up for our nation’s bedrock environmental laws at a time when they are being severely tested.

This is the kind of bold, tangible work Friends of the Everglades has been doing since our founding by Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 1969.

When you support our work, you’re defending nature. You’re holding government officials accountable. You’re refusing to settle for less than the Everglades need.

It is our absolute honor to earn your trust and carry the mantle. With your continued support, we can keep this vital work moving forward.