Florida Uncut – Details, episodes & analysis

There have been a ton of updates since the last episode about the proposed plan to develop nine Florida state parks. Namely, part of the project proposal has been withdrawn. Great news but the story isn’t over…

Places to follow for most up-to-date news and additional info:

• Max Chesnes - Environmental Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
• Florida Wildlife Federation, who broke the story
• Ryan Worthington, the Florida Excursionist
• Florida Madcaps Podcast - Crisis in the State Parks

Hey folks! This is a unique call to action to let your voice be heard about the new proposed developments (golf courses, resorts, etc.) inside of our state parks. Listen to the episode and read the article below to learn more about what is being proposed, as well as how to make your voice heard and be involved. 

Tampa Bay Times article: https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/08/20/are-changes-coming-floridas-state-park-system/

Numbers to call:

• Governor's office: 850 717 9337
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All meetings are Tuesday, August 27th from 3-4pm ET. Locations and emails are listed below:

Hillsborough River State Park

• Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Community Room D
• HillsboroughRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Honeymoon Island State Park

• The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater
• HoneymoonIslandSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Oleta River State Park

• Florida International University, Biscayne Bay campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 NE 151 Street North, Miami.
• OletaRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

• The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave., River Room, Stuart
• JonathanDickinsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

• Downtown Event Center, 416 NE First St., Fort Lauderdale, Lecture Hall, Building C, second floor (Enter at Main Entrance B — clearly marked on the outside of the building.)
• Dr.VonD.MizellEulaJohnsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Anastasia State Park, First Coast Technical College

• The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine
• AnastasiaSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov 

Camp Helen State Park

• Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach
• CampHelenSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov 

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park

• Watercolor Inn & Resort, Watercolor LakeHouse, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach
• WaltonCountySPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov 

Florida Wildlife Federation info sheet and email template here 

To email the governor: https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/

Example email: 

Subject: 

Concern Regarding Development of Golf Courses and Resorts on Environmentally Sensitive Land

Body

Dear Governor DeSantis,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed development of golf courses and resorts on environmentally sensitive land within our state parks. Florida's state parks are home to some of the most unique and delicate ecosystems in the world, providing critical habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. These hard fought areas are not only essential for biodiversity but also serve as natural buffers against our harsh climate and hurricanes and attract millions of tourists seeking natural settings away from Florida’s bustling roadways and entertainment opportunities. 

Developing these lands for commercial purposes threatens to not only disrupt these ecosystems, potentially leading to the loss of endangered species, degradation of water quality, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, but also the economics that will continue 

Moreover, preserving these natural areas is vital for maintaining the ecological balance that supports our state's tourism industry, which relies heavily on the beauty and accessibility of our natural landscapes. While golf courses and resorts may attract short-term economic gains, the long-term environmental costs could far outweigh these benefits. I urge you to consider the lasting impact that such development would have on our state's natural heritage and to seek alternative locations for these projects that do not compromise the integrity of our state parks. Protecting our environment should be a top priority, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from Florida's natural beauty. In Florida, the environment is the economy. 

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email Address]

Julie Morris has over 25 years of experience in Florida conservation—from working as a research wildlife biologist and land manager to implementing land protection and developing conservation policy at regional, state, and federal levels.

Julie founded Florida Conservation Group (FCG) in 2015 with fellow ranchers and scientists. Through FCG, she has represented private landowners in the conservation of over tens of thousands of acres of land and has represented government entities in the conservation of many thousands of additional acres.

She held leadership roles in the Southwest Florida Conservation Blueprint pilot project for FWC, the protection of the USFWS Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the development of the Southwest Florida Landscape Conservation Design for the USFWS and the establishment of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area.

She runs her own cow-calf operation in the Myakka Valley.

Learn more about Julie and the Florida Conservation Group: 

https://floridaconserve.org/

Hey y’all! Today’s episode is a recap of a recent adventure I took on to raise awareness for Florida conservation. This conversation is originally from my other show, Adventure Sports Podcast, where I talk to guests about the various adventures they undertake. 

However, because I did this adventure to shed light on the topics we discuss on this show, I wanted to also share it here. Also, the Lake Okeechobee discharges were just announced and it doesn’t look good. Hopefully we can continue to push more water south to the Everglades in the near future. 

We’ll be back with a brand new episode in two weeks!

Some of the press:

• Florida men paddleboard across alligator-infested lake to raise awareness for conservation efforts
• Frostproof Native Crosses Lake Okeechobee on Paddleboard
• Crossing Lake O: Duo With Polk County Ties Celebrate Paddle Across State’s Largest Lake
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Thank you to Bluefin SUP for helping sponsor the trip! Check out their very high-quality paddlebaords at a great price at: https://bluefinsupboards.us/

Watch a presentation by Clay Henderson at the Corridor Connect here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABBTl8KOq5Q&t=3s

Clay Henderson has had a long career as an environmental lawyer, educator, and writer. He has served as president of Florida Audubon Society and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as two terms as Volusia county commissioner. Until his retirement in 2019, he served as Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience at Stetson University.

As a writer, he has been published in both law reviews and scientific journals extensively. His new book Forces of Nature (University Press of Florida 2022) is an environmental history of Florida. 

One thing I noticed when reading Forces of Nature is that the story of Florida’s conservation isn’t beginning, it has been happening for over 100 years. In fact, my perspective has shifted enough that I would say we are approaching the end of the story of Florida’s conservation, in the sense of the future of our land, versus the beginning. 

Clay has been involved in the negotiation to acquire over 300,000 acres through 

Learn more about Forces of Nature here https://www.clayhendersonauthor.com/books

Rick Smith (Patrick Jr.) is the son of acclaimed author, Patrick D. Smith, who helped propel the focus of “old” Florida into the minds and hearts of an entire generation with the book, A Land Remembered, released in 1984. It is historical fiction set mostly in pioneer or "cracker" Florida that follows the fictional MacIvey family through three generations, covering over a century of Florida history from 1858 to 1968.

Although it’s historical fiction, the scenarios and settings within the book were common situations and struggles that early pioneers into Florida would have faced. 

Rick has done over 300 presentations about his father and his masterpiece work. Rick also maintains the websites and social media pages related to his father's novels. All of Patrick Smith’s works are available in both hardcover and trade paperback editions. There is also a two-volume edition of A Land Remembered for children, which is used in many Florida schools.

Whether you’re a Florida native, a recent transplant to the state, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable literary experience, A Land Remembered awaits.

Find out more about Rick, and buying Patrick’s books:

https://alandremembered.com

William started out life in El Salvador, where he was inspired by his parent's dedication to restoring Lake Ilopango. They weren't trained environmentalists, just folks who understood that something needed to be done to protect the place they loved. 

After moving to Florida, William carried these lessons and influence with him. One day, while hiking in a remote Florida wilderness, he looked down and saw a panther track between his feet and knew he needed to do something to bring attention to this disappearing animal. 

fStop Foundation was born. Williams's idea was to capture the "hidden world" of Florida's wild through photography to influence change and protect these unique places. 

The fStop Foundation is now a small, determined team mainly comprised of volunteers who believe in the power of photography and that the content we create can help save this wonderful planet we call home. They believe in the power of photography, creating powerful content and telling a powerful story.

Learn more about William and fStop:

www.fstopfoundation.org

Instagram: @fstopfoundation

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/fStopFoundation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fstopfoundation.org

Mallory is a seventh-generation Floridian who grew up exploring the lands and waters of Florida. Those experiences shaped her love of the outdoors and appreciation of the environment from a young age, as well as her career choice in natural resource conservation and policy. 

She is now the CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, which is largely the driver of the idea of the Florida Wildlife Corridor movement. However, the idea of a connected wild Florida was built on the foundation of other ideas and research but came together through the 100-day, 1000-mile human-powered Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition trek from the Everglades to the Georgia border in the Spring of 2012, of which Mallory was a participant. 

The goal was to see if traveling the length of the state on foot (as an animal would) was still possible. Long story short, it was absolutely possible, which brought credibility to the idea of a protected Corridor running the entire length of Florida. That expedition and the attention it brought laid the groundwork for the movement we see today for a protected and connecting wild Florida. 

Learn more about Mallory and the work of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation here:

https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/

Watch the documentary of their expedition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-jv208rdlM&ab_channel=WUSF.

Watch their other documentaries here: 

https://www.youtube.com/@FloridaWildlifeCorridor/videos

Support Florida Uncut on Patreon for $5/month:

https://patreon.com/user?u=11828064&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

It's always exciting when more land is acquired for conservation in Florida, but have you ever asked what happens with the land? What if it's an active farm, grove, or ranch land? How does it return to a more natural condition? How is it managed from here on out? Who managed it? Etc. 

Mike Elswick is Manatee County's division manager of the Natural Resources Division in the county's Parks and Natural Resources Department. I live in Manatee County and often hear Mike speak at our Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee meetings (which I serve on). Every time he speaks, I learn something new. I figured Mike would be a great guest to learn more about how much goes into managing land that we acquire here in Florida. Although he's speaking from a county management perspective, you'll hear it takes working with state, federal, nonprofit, and public entities to achieve our common goals on the land. It takes a village. 

Mike clearly loves the land and wants you to as well. There's a lot more to learn from him.

Resources Mike mentioned about how he keeps him and his team educated:

Ifas Extension Resources

Florida Forest Service - Fire Management Resources

Support Florida Uncut on Patreon for $5/month:

https://patreon.com/user?u=11828064&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

As a Florida native, Haley has come to believe that making smarter building and development decisions has allowed Floridians to continue welcoming people to our state while also protecting natural and agricultural lands. The folks at 1000 Friends of Florida calls this "smart growth." 

Haley grew up tubing the Ichetucknee River, sticking her head in spring vents, and paddling the Santa Fe River on family vacations. She is an urban planner, finishing up her graduate degree from the University of Florida, and urges people to get involved with their local government's planning and development decisions. Haley believes this is how we can best protect Florida's special places.

As Outreach Director at 1000 Friends of Florida, Haley promotes sustainable growth through collaboration with civic and conservation organizations across Florida. She assists in planning local workshops and information events statewide. Through lobbying, written and oral testimony, Haley works with local and state leaders to support strong growth management policy.

Learn more and sign up for the 1000 Friends of Florida newsletter below: 

1000fof.org

Webinars: 1000fof.org/webinars

Instagram: @1000friendsofflorida

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067210687712

About 1000 Friends of Florida:

As one of their board members says, people don't come to Florida for the strip malls and subdivisions, they come here for the IDEA of Florida. For our beautiful climate, beaches and springs, and a certain quality of life. We are an international travel destination and have been a retiree haven for decades. How we balance tourist-driven population growth with protecting our natural resources has been a challenge over the years.

Success stories that Haley mentioned:

• No Road to Ruin: https://noroadstoruin.org/
• Suncoast Waterkeeper: https://www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org