As you probably saw in the paper, Charlie Crist, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Florida, visited Stuart on Wednesday, October 3, 2014. Very exciting! I have been waiting for the governor’s race to crank up and for the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon to be in the spotlight as it should be.
In my dream of dreams Governor Scott and Charlie Crist would come to Stuart debate. For now, I will be satisfied that this year both have visited and spoken and are aware of health issues facing the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon.
I had seen Charlie Crist speak before at the Florida League of Cites, in Hollywood, but it was fun to see “the man, the myth,” our former governor, up close, face to face, along with his beautiful wife Carol.
I shall tell you of my short experience…
As I did not learn of the visit until the day before, I already had commitments and thus was one hour and a half late to Mr Crist’s planned arrival to tour the lagoon at the invitation of Marty Baum, Indian Riverkeeper.
This was inconsequential as the Crist team was late itself, so when I arrived at Sandsprit Park, Mr Crist and his team had just gone out in the boat with Marty Baum, Mark Perry of Florida Oceanographic, and others.
As Mr Crist came off the boat I moved to greet him and grabbed his hand to help him onto the dock. I thanked him for his visit. His wife, Carol was at his side holding a sign that read, A FAIR CHANCE FOR FLORIDA. I knew that the couple had married in 2008 and that she was a very successful business woman who ran the family business, Franco American Novelty Co . and was most well-known for inventing the slogan: “Where Fashion Meets Halloween,” and creating sexy Halloween costumes that were big sellers. She is a talented marketer.
I wondered what she thought so far of Stuart. She smiled, stepping off the boat in high heels.
Once off the boat they got their sea legs as apparently a big wave had hit…the small crowd loved him and gathered around.
Mr Crist composed himself, a calm and confident speaker. This was obviously a man used to being in the public eye.
The questions from the reporters about the lagoon were many, and Mr Crist did a good job answering. Nonetheless there was an awkward moment that must be noted.
Tyler Treadway from the Stuart News asked Mr Crist about how he would stop the discharges from Lake Okeechobee and Mr Crist answered that “he would put the right people on the South Florida Water Management Board and the discharges would stop; like they did before, when he was governor…”
There was silence. Tyler’s lips quivered; he said something like …”Sir I don’t know how you can say that? …That you stopped the discharges….”
Charlie Crist repeated again that he had.
I watched this crowd who adored and appreciated Mr Crist but they were too educated and too far into this not to know that stopping the discharges is a lot more complicated that that….and that they have NEVER stopped for long.
The was the pregnant pause….Silence….Tyler looked at his writing pad….the crowd stared into space.
As usual I could not stop myself and I finally blurted out: “Temporarily…..”
Charlie Crist looked straight at me; I respectfully held my gaze, head slightly down.
We all looked at each other….and stared. It was time to go.
We all thanked him. It was a great visit.
I believe Mr Crist’s intentions are good, I just don’t think, he like all politicians, is used to speaking to such an educated public.
We know the truth, we need a third outlet from the lake and other water holding areas, there are no saviors, no boards that will fix our terrible St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon/Lake Okeechobee problem.
“Why didn’t he speak about his US Sugar buyout plan from 2008?” Said someone as we were all walking away?
“He didn’t know who he was taking to,” I answered. “The most educated public in the state. Politicians are not used to that…”
We waved goodbye. And Charlie flashed us that winning smile. We hope he’ll come again.
Reblogged this on Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and commented:
Embarrassing spelling error fixed. Please shoot me.
i love you so much! The truth is when I moved up here the water was fabulous and there had not been discharges for a long time. The mothers day before the discharges i was at boy scout island playing the water. when i spoke to you how many years had it been with out discharges.
There also a reporter from the Palm Beach Post who wrote an article and she got all her facts very wrong saying there were only 100 people at the locks when scott came and that after that we liked scott. It was a crazy article and honestly after years of the Palm Beach Post not even commenting on this issue they wrote an article and got it wrong.
Thank you stepping in. We are all in this together. I know reporters have to do their job. Tyler is an extraordinary journalist and we are blessed to have him. The Palm Beach post could take some lessons from the Stuart News.
I tell all the politicians to read “The Swamp” know your history. We’re a tough crowd. We live breath and eat this issue.
Reblogged this on cyndi lenz and commented:
i love you so much! The truth is when I moved up here the water was fabulous and there had not been discharges for a long time. The mothers day before the discharges i was at boy scout island playing the water. when i spoke to you how many years had it been with out discharges.
There also a reporter from the Palm Beach Post who wrote an article and she got all her facts very wrong saying there were only 100 people at the locks when scott came and that after that we liked scott. It was a crazy article and honestly after years of the Palm Beach Post not even commenting on this issue they wrote an article and got it wrong.
Thank you stepping in. We are all in this together. I know reporters have to do their job. Tyler is an extraordinary journalist and we are blessed to have him. The Palm Beach post could take some lessons from the Stuart News.
I tell all the politicians to read “The Swamp” know your history. We’re a tough crowd. We live breath and eat this issue.
Comparison chart of the Candidates for Florida Governor:
https://karldickey.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/wyllie-comparison-chart1.jpg
Vote Adrian Wyllie
I so love these! Thank you Jacqui. You have educated so many people. This is such a great blog!!
Thank you Katy!!!!
Jacque, this guy was a Republican, then an Independent and now a Democrat. He will say anything to get elected and knows not the truth. I would not share with your other readers, but there you have it, my opinion anyway. I really like your river updates by the way and love our St. Lucie.
Sincerely,
Willis J. Milner IV United Electrical Sales, LTD 321-231-6284
On Oct 7, 2014, at 8:28 AM, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch wrote:
WordPress.com Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch posted: ” As you probably saw in the paper, Charlie Crist, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Florida, visited Stuart on Wednesday, October 3, 2014. Very exciting! I have been waiting for the governor’s race to crank up and for the St Lucie River/Indian Riv”
Thank you for reading my blog and for your comment! Appreciate hearing from you Willis.
Jacqui,
Reading this story as you described the events, literally took m y breath away. As always you are quick on your feet and an astute observer of people and details, that most other’s miss. You are also an extremely courageous woman.
Who would have thought that just one word, “Temporarily”, would have such a profound impact! Thank you for being you.