Message from Sierra Club

Dear Eye on Miami reader: Big sugar is at it again, putting profits ahead of the water needs of seven million Floridians and the health of the Everglades. Take action now to protect Florida's residents, lands and wildlife. Tell Gov. Scott "Direct the FDEO to deny development in the Everglades agricultural area!" Last week, US Sugar unveiled plans to build a massive, sprawling city called Sugar Hill between the Everglades and its water source, Lake Okeechobee. The project would bring 18,000 new residential units and 25 million square feet of commercial, industrial, office and retail buildings directly into the Everglades agricultural area, effectively preventing clean water from Lake Okeechobee from reaching the Everglades and the millions who rely on it. The 67-square-mile development would have a devastatingly irreversible impact on the Everglades and coastal communities. This dangerous plan would also skyrocket the value of US Sugar's land, potentially derailing completion of the Florida government's contract with US Sugar to purchase 153,000 acres in the Everglades for cleaning and restoration. The decision will ultimately be made by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO), but Governor Scott has the power to direct their denial of the project. Now is your chance get him moving! Tell Florida Governor Rick Scott and South Florida Water Managers to direct the FDEO to stop big sugar's massive development plan and protect the Everglades, the sole source of drinking water for seven million residents. The Governor cannot allow US Sugar to wall off the Everglades from Lake Okeechobee putting the Everglades and the coasts in jeopardy. The state of Florida has the power to stop the Sugar Hill development plan now, but the decision makers need to hear from you; reach out now and demand the Governor and the South Florida Water Management Board direct the FDEO to deny this bad plan. If allowed, US Sugar's development plans could threaten the Everglades, impact coastal communities and jeopardize clean water for millions.  Tell Governor Scott to protect the Everglades and the people who depend on it by directing the FDEO to deny the plan immediately! Thanks for all you do for the environment Jon Ullman Sierra Club P.S. After you take action, be sure to forward this alert to your friends and colleagues! Share this action on Facebook Share this action on Twitter For more info on the dangerous Sugar Hill plan, check out a recent article from the Tampa Bay Times.