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Category: Environment
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Environment

DeSantis is lying to our kids

The following Letter to the Editor was published in The Daily Sun on Aug 21, 2023. As the citizens of Hawaii tragically die in unprecedented wildfires and we on the mainland face record-breaking heat with ocean temperatures above 100 F, the DeSantis administration is now peddling climate lies to our kids. The conservative Prager University

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Picture of homes underwater in Florida
Environment

DeSantis oblivious to climate change issue

The following letter to the editor was published in The Daily Sun on July 27, 2023. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis focuses on his struggling presidential campaign, he ignores real issues faced by Floridians due to climate change. The governor may not be persuaded by climate science, but actions by insurance companies may get his

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Environment

How about One Planet, One Water?

The following editorial was published in The Daily Sun on May 13, 2023. OUR POSITION: Water quality is such an important issue that numerous entities must work together to ensure Southwest Floridians can feel secure their water is clean, safe and in abundant supply. A recent editorial board meeting with members of the Peace+Myakka Waterkeepers reminded

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Environment

State wants power of oversight over water

The following letter to the editor was published in The Daily Sun on March 21, 2023. Communities across Florida have a huge stake in clean water. But if two bills filed and introduced in the state Legislature early this month become law, they will abolish local governments’ ability to fight pollution, inevitably leading to dirtier

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Call to Action

Stop harmful water bills now

Communities across Florida have a huge stake in clean water. But if two bills filed and introduced in the state legislature early this month become law, they will abolish local governments’ ability to fight pollution, inevitably leading to dirtier water. House Bill 1197 and Senate Bill 1240 would grant sole authority to the state to

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Environment

Florida’s Right to Clean Water Initiative!

The Story of Florida’s Right to Clean Water In 1950, there were 2.8 million people in Florida.  In 2022, there are 22 million.  With this explosion of new residents comes an array of certain human impacts — the clear-cutting of water filters and nutrient cyclers; the diversion and hastening of water flows; the removal or

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Call to Action

Attend the West Charlotte County Density Hearing on Feb 28th

One element of the Lemon Bay Conservancy mission statement is “Advocating for sustainable environmental policies.” As the recent hurricane has so clearly reminded us, we live in a beautiful, but very fragile, area. Controlling the amount of new development is essential for protecting our wetlands, our life styles, and our area’s future. There is an

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Economy

Florida is growing, but at what cost?

An editorial by the TAMPA BAY TIMES First the good news: Florida was the fastest-growing state in the nation last year, new figures show. That growth breathes new life into the economy and makes Florida more attractive and competitive on the global stage. But the state is lagging behind in key investments — in housing, health

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Environment

Charlotte County supports DeSoto County in blocking Mosaic mining expansion

By NANCY J. SEMON, STAFF WRITER, The Daily Sun, Jan 26, 2023. PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County commissioners were about to postpone voting on a resolution supporting DeSoto County’s denial of Mosaic’s mining efforts pending further information. The board had expressed interest in meeting in a workshop session with the phosphate giant about its intentions to

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Environment

Climate disasters caused $165B damage in 2022

The following editorial was published in The Daily Sun on Jan 17, 2023. OUR POSITION: Florida has a lot at stake in dealing with climate change. There were 18 catastrophic weather events and natural disasters in the U.S. where damages exceeded $1 billion, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those weather and climate

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Environment

Study: Exxon Mobil accurately predicted warming since ’70s

By SETH BORENSTEIN and CATHY BUSSEWITZ, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Jan 13, 2022 DENVER — Exxon Mobil’s scientists were remarkably accurate in their predictions about global warming, even as the company made public statements that contradicted its own scientists’ conclusions, a new study says. The study in the journal Science Thursday looked at research that Exxon

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Environment

We have to build back smarter and better

The following editorial was published in The Daily Sun on Jan 2, 2023. OUR POSITION: Florida needs to take a hard look at what can be done to minimize destruction from the next Hurricane Ian. Floridians have much to consider after witnessing the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian. There will be debate about climate change, building

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Environment

Democrats did not make up climate change

The following Letter to the Editor was published in The Daily Sun on Nov 27, 2022. On Oct. 9th I read Michael Reagan’s view on “the greenhouse effect” and on Nov. 15th I read Dick Nelson’s. Both believe it’s a political ploy by the “Democrat” party. They should ask themselves the following questions: If it

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Environment

Red tide is blooming offshore from Southwest Florida communities hit hardest by Ian

By Jesse Mendoza, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Nov 1, 2022. The red tide pushed toward the Southwest Florida coast by Hurricane Ian and recent cold fronts continues to bloom just offshore. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed Friday that red tide reached bloom levels last week in an area that stretches offshore from south Sarasota County, past

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Elections

Vote for those who know climate change is real

The following Letter to the  Editor was published in The Daily Sun on Oct 27, 2022. Republican leaders in Florida sure hate “big government” …until they need help. Thank goodness that “big government” will pay most of the cost of emergency aid to our state helping to recover from the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane

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Analysis

Development on Florida’s barrier islands made Ian evacuation impossible

Editor’s comment: Charlotte County issued appropriate evacuation orders, thank God!  Lee County did not.  But all SWFL counties must now truly consider SUSTAINABLE, APPROPRIATE development in the rush to rebuild.  Read the warning below! By Craig Pittman, The Florida Phoenix, Oct 13, 2022. Jesus had some good advice for Florida developers: Don’t build a house

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Elections

DeSantis and Crist return to region

By Frank DiFiore, The Daily Sun, Oct 11, 2022 PORT CHARLOTTE — Gov. Ron DeSantis and his election opponent, former Gov. Charlie Crist both made appearances Monday in Charlotte County. DeSantis visited a Disaster Recover Center on South McCall Road in Englewood, just outside a Home Depot store. The site was set up by FEMA to

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Environment

Volunteers are needed

Volunteers are needed immediately to assist hurricane stricken neighbors with food distribution, clean up, clerical work and other critical tasks. Sign up in person from 7-11am at the Charlotte Community Foundation courtyard, 227 Sullivan Street in downtown Punta Gorda. Assistance for affected Charlotte County citizens is coordinated by COAD Charlotte County Volunteer Hotline: 910-973-3916

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Biden's Vision

The Biden Administration’s preparation for Hurricane Ian

In unity and harmony, we pray for the safety and well-being of all Floridians from this horrific hurricane! But just imagine the Federal response if this was a BLUE state and we had a MAGA Republican as president? Thank God, Joe Biden is our president!  As Hurricane Ian approached Florida, President Biden directed the heads

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