Petitioners, We need YOUR help for further action. Why? Sad news is a major hurdle was crossed when the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Fla Department of Environmental Protection APPROVED the permit. It still must go through several agencies, so there is still a chance to save the Creek. BUT....
...it passed because Fla statues allowed a developer's donation of $24,300 to pass the "in the Public's Interest" criteria for these PRIVATE docks. This sets aside the fact it's a private project and even though it's designated an Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water it also sets aside specific environmental protections! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Contact our Florida Congress and Legislators to change statutes. This seems like insider payola, doesn't it?
https://www.voteannapaulina.com/contact?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s21
Florida Statute § 373.4135 and Mitigation Banking. This is where the “donation” loophole enters.
The law allows applicants to offset environmental harm and public opposition by making payments to an “environmental enhancement fund” not even designated for this project site. The agency then counts this cash payment as satisfying the “public interest” balancing test.
ALSO. PLEASE SEE OUR NEWLY EHHANCED WEBSITE: StevensonCreek.org for more info, to donate, to register for our newsletter. Thank you.