Action Alerts Archives

STOP “Alligator Alcatraz”

More than 50 years ago, Floridians rallied to stop the Everglades Jetport, protecting a vital stretch of wilderness from destructive development. Today, that same land is under threat again — this time from a proposal to build a massive detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Surrounded by Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, this land is part of one of the most fragile ecosystems in the country. We need you to contact Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier now. The message is clear: No airports. No rock mines. No prisons. Only Everglades. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past. This land deserves lasting protection.

Allie Preston2025-06-25T09:10:27-04:00June 23rd, 2025|Action Alerts, Alligator Alcatraz, Wildlife Habitat|

WATCH NOW — Floridians stopped the state parks attack, and we can stop the Southland rock mine too

https://youtu.be/VtFmlgK4sFk?si=TWEOoVJq67YmuKqy From the desk of our Executive Director, Eve Samples, your Voice of the Everglades update: A high-stakes vote is scheduled this Thursday before the Palm Beach County Commission — one that could forever alter the landscape south of Lake Okeechobee and undermine the future of Everglades restoration. Two industrial sugarcane corporations — U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals — have joined forces with engineering firm Phillips & Jordan to seek approval for an 8,600-acre rock mine in the Everglades Agricultural Area. They’re peddling it as a “water resources project” and are seeking approval to mine limestone before the impacts on the Everglades have been evaluated. Southland didn’t emerge through normal channels. Like the recent sneak attack on Florida’s state parks, [...]

Allie Preston2025-05-19T17:32:07-04:00May 20th, 2025|Action Alerts, EAA rock mine, Voice of the Everglades|

Tell the Palm Beach County Commission to OPPOSE the Southland rock mine!

The Southland rock mine proposal, planned for 8,600 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), is being rushed through without full vetting from the South Florida Water Management District — despite claims to the contrary by the developer. The proposed mine sits in an area critical to Everglades restoration — and yet it’s being fast-tracked based on misleading information and without the necessary public accountability. We need to act now so the Palm Beach County Commission votes NO at a public hearing on May 22 at 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, on the 6th floor. By sending this letter to Palm Beach County Commissioners, you’re standing with Friends of the Everglades to demand transparency, protect South [...]

Allie Preston2025-08-13T09:29:42-04:00May 8th, 2025|Action Alerts, EAA rock mine, Wildlife Habitat|

Tell DeSantis to sign the State Park Preservation Act into law!

We’re one step away from a major victory for Florida’s state parks — and your voice is needed now more than ever. Yesterday we celebrated the unanimous passage of the State Park Preservation Act in the Florida House. The Senate unanimously approved the bill Wednesday. Now it’s up to Gov. DeSantis to sign it into law. Throughout this process you have stood with us to make clear that Floridians want these places to remain wild and natural. With strong language prohibiting golf courses, hotel-style lodges and other harmful development, this bill will do just that. We need you to lend your voice one last time to get this bill across the finish line. Take action now. Contact Gov. [...]

Allie Preston2025-05-02T12:05:25-04:00May 2nd, 2025|Action Alerts, Florida Legislative Tracker, Florida Legislature, Save Florida's State Parks, Wildlife Habitat|

Tell state lawmakers to strengthen SB 80 to protect Florida’s state parks

New protections for Florida’s state parks are in sight — but we need your help. On Tuesday, the Florida Senate Fiscal Policy Committee passed Senate Bill 80, the parks protection bill sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell. It’s now headed to the Senate floor on April 29. But there’s a problem. The language in SB 80 isn’t tight enough. It might still allow inappropriate development and damage to the natural resources in our parks. The language in the bill passed by the House, HB 209, is more robust and preventive — and it’s imperative the Senate adopt that language in order to ensure the strongest possible protections for Florida’s state parks. Take action now. Contact your state lawmakers and [...]

Allie Preston2025-04-28T09:23:15-04:00April 23rd, 2025|Action Alerts, Florida Legislative Tracker, Florida Legislature, Save Florida's State Parks, Wildlife Habitat|

Stand with our National Parks

Across the nation, Americans are banding together against the damaging job cuts at national parks and wildlife refuges brought about by DOGE. The layoffs include park rangers, educators, scientists, emergency first responders and more — all critical personnel who act as stewards of these treasured and protected spaces. These lands belong to all of us. Together, we can protect them. Take action now: Take 1 minute to tell your representatives in Congress that you do NOT support these damaging job cuts.

Allie Preston2025-02-25T16:18:58-05:00February 26th, 2025|Action Alerts, Wildlife Habitat|

“Recovery Operations” sacrifice fragile estuaries for no guaranteed benefit

The Army Corps of Engineers initiated harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges on December 7, with no end in sight. These releases, which could last through May, bring polluted water and sediment to the fragile northern estuaries that have already suffered this wet season, on top of years of abuse. Col. Brandon Bowman, new to his post, recommended these releases in the name of “Lake Okeechobee recovery,” but there’s no guarantee lake levels will recede enough to improve its health. Caloosahatchee River dry season releases have not increased significantly, but the St. Lucie, which needs no freshwater inflow, will suffer significant damage. TELL Col. Bowman NOT to make the St. Lucie River a sacrificial lamb. Urge him to bring an [...]

Allie Preston2024-12-20T09:31:27-05:00November 22nd, 2024|Action Alerts, Lake Okeechobee, LOSOM|

The people have spoken — Kill the parks plan, Governor DeSantis!

Tens of thousands of Floridians have banded together against the so-called Great Outdoors Initiative — an upwelling of support for wild Florida that is both forceful and inspiring. The plan, sneakily introduced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, proposes harmful developments including golf courses, lodges, and pickleball courts in nine beloved Florida state parks. The input from Floridians everywhere has been united and unyielding: We do NOT support these changes. We need your help to kill this terrible plan once and for all. Tell Gov. DeSantis that you stand with us against this proposal by filling out this preformatted email.

Allie Preston2024-08-26T15:08:06-04:00August 26th, 2024|Action Alerts, Save Florida's State Parks, Wildlife Habitat|

Send a message to state lawmakers — Save Florida’s State Parks!

We stand with Florida Wildlife Federation in opposition to this devastating proposal. Fill out their targeted action below.

Allie Preston2024-08-22T17:13:09-04:00August 21st, 2024|Action Alerts, Save Florida's State Parks, Wildlife Habitat|

Florida’s State Parks are Under Attack!

Changes to Florida’s state parks announced this week by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Department of Environmental Protection would open these beloved spaces to devastating “recreational amenities” including golf courses and lodges. The shady proposal was introduced less than a week before the public’s opportunity to speak out against the threat to natural land and sensitive habitats. Scarce details indicate an unabashed attempt to squash public engagement. Here’s what we know: At least 9 state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, are at risk for recreational development. Three of these parks lie within the Greater Everglades ecosystem. See the full list at the bottom of this page. Plans range from the addition of pickleball courts and new [...]

Allie Preston2024-08-26T14:23:06-04:00August 21st, 2024|Action Alerts, Save Florida's State Parks, Wildlife Habitat|