south florida

South Florida Water: Combating Fake News with Facts and Farm Tours

Web AdminEnvironment, Florida, Water

In recent weeks, South Florida farmers and residents continue to grow with nervous concern about misinformation circulating about Lake Okeechobee and related regional water issues. A couple of meetings taking place in recent days in local communities around the lake exemplify the growing rumble among grassroots residents and businesses throughout the entire region, especially those in rural areas. A growing …

florida

Florida Congressman Francis Rooney to ‘Deal with the Continuing Menace of Agriculture’

Web AdminEnvironment, Florida, Legislative, Water

Singling out farmers south of Lake Okeechobee during a speech to area residents in Cape Coral, Florida, in late February, Rep. Francis Rooney (R – SW FL District 19) stated he wants to “try to deal with the continuing menace of agriculture in the EAA (Everglades Agriculture Area).” This video excerpt of the congressman’s comments, transcribed below, is now being …

ffb

Taste of Florida Agriculture Event Engages Lawmakers

Web AdminFlorida, Legislative

Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) members again hosted state lawmakers for food and festivities during the opening week of the legislative session, as part of the annual Farm Bureau Days event Wednesday at the state Capitol. Farm Bureau organizes this event and involves many of the state’s other commodity groups and related businesses, as a way to help educate lawmakers about …

desantis

Glades Residents, Businesses, Rise Up Against Water Issues Misinformation

Web AdminWater

by Gary Cooper With reference to the growing brouhaha, and continuing conflicting and heated rhetoric and misinformation swirling about south Florida algae and other related Lake Okeechobee water issues, the following letter was sent today to Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL 18th District). Mast has been extremely vocal and incendiary in his rhetoric and stated opinions on these issues, and is …

DeSantis Seeks $625 Million for Everglades, Water Efforts

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Water

Water protection and restoration projects, including the fight against red tide and the continued cleanup of the Everglades, will account for $625 million of a proposed budget that Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will roll out Friday for state lawmakers to consider. DeSantis on Tuesday outlined part of his environmental budget proposal during an appearance at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning …

desantis

Desantis Transition Panel Weighs Water Issues

Web AdminEnvironment, Industry News Release, Water

Money set aside annually for the restoration of the Everglades and other waterways should also help end the use of septic tanks, a former House speaker suggested Monday as a panel considered potential environmental policies for Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis. Former Speaker Steve Crisafulli said the incoming governor should tap the “Legacy Florida” funding to aid conversions from septic tanks to …

water quality

A Florida Perspective on Agricultural Water Issues

Web AdminTop Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

By Rich Budell Vegetable and specialty crop producers in the Southeast face many challenges, including labor, disease, trade and weather. An additional — often underappreciated and complicated — issue involves management and protection of fresh water resources. Access to adequate quantities of fresh water during the growing season is critical to production success. Protecting downstream receiving waters from potential adverse …

What Exactly Causes Toxic Algae?

Web AdminTop Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

By Lisa Krimsky Florida has an algae problem, and we’re not alone. The population on this planet is growing, as is the need to feed and house 7.6 billion people. Algae blooms are naturally occurring. However, a warming climate, human activities and nutrient inputs from stormwater, agricultural and urban land use, and sewer and septic systems have significantly increased the …

Sneak Peek: November 2018 VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminResearch, Sneak peek, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

Get in the know on H2O with the November issue of VSCNews magazine. Water is a crucial aspect of agriculture in the Southeast, and the November magazine will give readers an update on ongoing water issues and a new irrigation technology. As the Florida population grows, water resources become scarcer, creating a challenge for the state’s agriculture industry. Rich Budell, …

eaa farmers

EAA Farmers, Inc. Issues Statement on Federal Authorization of EAA Reservoir

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Water

A statement from Danielle Alvarez, spokesperson for EAA Farmers, Inc., following the federal approval of the EAA reservoir: “Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) farm families are pleased that the EAA reservoir will be achieved in a way that will accomplish restoration goals while also protecting homegrown food supply.  Restoration has been a tremendous success south of Lake Okeechobee and serves as proof that …