The Suwannee River Water Management District named Ann Shortelle, the current Director of Water Policy for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as the top candidate for Executive Director. Read the entire story here.
Ron Littlepage wrote an opinion piece for Jacksonville.com today on the importance of immediate action to protect Florida's springs, lakes, and rivers. See Time running out for Florida's Springs.
The St. Augustine Record's David Baulerlein reported that environmental groups will be attending a U.S. Army Corps of Engineering meeting to discuss a proposal to further dredge Jacksonville's harbor. Read the reactions of the St. Johns Riverkeeper, and Corps spokesman, at St. Johns deepening topic of Army Corps meeting.
The Florida Clean Water Network and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility issued a joint press release announcing the filing of a conflict-of-interest complaint against Florida Department of Enivronmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard. Read the press release in its entirety atEPA debarment probes discrepancies by top Florida official.
Ocala.com reprinted an editorial today that presents a balanced look at Frank Stronach and the Adena River Springs permit. ReadBenefits and risks.
University of Tampa economists Robert Beekman and Brian Kench contributed a special to the Tampa Bay Times this morning. The authors advocate the use of tiered water pricing during times of drought. By charging a premium for water consumed in excess of normal household usage, Tampa Bay Water would be able to reduce water consumption, generate revenue to fund conservation projects, and allow water users to decide on their own use. This approach has been advocated by environmental groups and economists. Read their insightful piece at Tampa Bay
Water solution simple: Charge heavy users more.
Ocala.com staff writer Nathan Crabbe reported on the dedication of the Frank Stronach Plant Science Center in Citra yesterday. Mr. Stronach, the billionaire founder of Magna International, recently bought the Adena Springs Ranch and applied for a 13 mgd consumptive use permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District. A group of protesters, including Florida Spring Institute founder Bob Knight, gathered otuside of the event to challege the permit and highlight the potential damage to Florida's already imperiled aquifer and springs. Read the entire story: Water-issue protesters greet UF's Stronach Center dedication.
The Gainesville Sun published another excellent editorial about Florida's current water crisis today. The Sun points to the increase in sinkholes, including the Jonesville sinkhole that opened up this week and nearly swallowed an entire house, as further evidence of the negative effects of excessive water withdrawals. The editorial asks what responsibility the State and Water Management Districts should take in helping those affected by these no-so-natural disasters. Read Florida crumbling.
In a positive story, The Suwannee Democrat's Jeffry Boatright published an article about the use of reclaimed water to restore White Lake in Live Oak. Read how the lake will be restored here.
