I’ve reported frequently about concerns for our coastal waters in Manatee County and beyond. Loss of seagrass, lyngbya blooms, sewage releases, more frequent and stronger hurricanes and hundred-year rain events, months apart.
These insults to Florida’s environment point to the lack of political will to effect the changes that are necessary to preserve our environment and the economy it supports. Until recently, former Manatee County commissioners even voted to let developers build closer to our wetlands.
Now facing an uncertain political future when climate issues are likely to fall farther down on the national agenda, the recent election of pro-environment Republican Manatee County commissioners is a bright spot that highlights an important point. The health of the environment shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Economic realities aside, we all need clean air and water to survive and prosper.
That’s why you’ll find a Vote Water bumper sticker on the front of my car. I vet candidates not by party but by the actions (votes) they’ve taken on issues that affect the quality of the air that I breathe, the water I drink and the fish I pursue. Unfortunately, unscrupulous politicians separate us from the things we all depend on using wedge issues that may matter but pale in comparison.
If you’re looking for a way to source information on candidates and how they’ve voted, and join concerned anglers and voters, check out the “Vote Water” Initiative. The efforts dovetail perfectly with issues that groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper, Captains For Clean Waters and others are seeking to address.
This advocacy is a continuation of Florida Sportsman magazine’s long involvement in protecting Florida’s angler’s interests. Founder Karl Wickstrom and the magazine have been in the forefront in lobbying for common sense rules and regulations.
In Wickstrom’s words, “If you had to pick one reason for the lack of success in protecting our state’s water from continual degradation, it would have to be lack of political will from our elected officials to get something done.”
“What we have in the state of Florida (and the nation as a whole) is a political problem, not a party issue, but when it comes to fixing the state’s water, the political problem requires a political solution. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. If you truly want to have clean air, clean water and public officials that represent the public interest instead of the special interest, the people that vote need to be informed.”
That’s the same argument I’ve used on these pages pointing out the shared responsibility we as voters have to effect much-needed change.
The VoteWater team highlights politician’s votes but also the amount of money they accepted from special interests. “The Dirty Money part of the Voter Guide is definitely something we want to spend more time on in 2025 and beyond,” VoteWater board member Wil Revehl said. “As the adage says, you have to follow the money. It’s clearly the case in politics.
“In order for people to be represented, to have a true democracy, we need to help make taking money from a special interest, such as the phosphate industry, toxic,” emphasized Revehl.
Once again, those who love Florida’s natural treasures and anglers can thank Florida Sportsman for taking a major role in effecting the change that our elected officials have avoided. I encourage you to learn about and to support the effort by joining the coalition, volunteering, spreading the word, donating to the cause and voting for politicians that have a track record of voting for clean water and healthy fisheries. Don’t be fooled into believing what candidates promise, check their voting record.
What better resolution to adopt this New Year? Vote Water. The future of fishing, Florida’s natural wonders and the economy hang in the balance.
