What is Senate Bill 2508? So it puts a constraint on how you optimize and operate Lake Okeechobee. It elevates water supply above all other system-wide objectives for lake operations. Three years of collective stakeholder work on LOSOM would be overridden forcing water supply guarantees in the EAA that consists primarily of sugarcane. Oh yeah, and if the SFWMD doesn’t conform, no money for CERP projects.
Today I offer Senate Bill 2580 Environmental Resources, which is part of Senate Bill 2500 Appropriations in “black and white.”
First, I share the easy to understand “Background and Effects” of the Bill that was given to me by South Florida Water Management staff at the beginning of the Governing Board Meeting, Thursday, February 10, 2022. 
Second, you can read the entire: Senate Bill 2508 Environmental Resources
Third, you can read the entire Senate Bill 2500 Appropriations
Fourth, highlights of Senate Bill 2508 Environmental Resources include lines 246-273 and 336-351
Fifth, highlights of Senate Bill 2500 Appropriations include section 1647.
Sixth, I offer the response of Governor Ron DeSantis that was also provided to me at the beginning of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting held Thursday, February 10, 2022. It is time to fight for our estuaries once again. Watch the SFWMD meeting here statrting at 1:23.
Thank you for your effort as well as the SFWMD’s effort to educate the public on this horrible Bill and fighting for a balanced approach to LOSOM! I watched the Board’s comments of over 1 hour. The Florida Senate should be thoroughly embarrassed by the unethical end run by Big Ag/Big Sugar. They will be under the spotlight when they vote on February 17th. Fortunately I believe Governor DeSantis will veto it if the Florida House will be stupid enough to pass this Bill!
Thank you.
will he definitely be able to veto it?
I think the Gov. has the power to veto anything but it is better to negotiate and if possible compromise. Sometimes all you can do is VETO! Great to hear from you Cyndi!
Nothing is definite. But it is a real possibly.
Thanks for bringing clarity, passion and understanding this Bill and process.
Thank you Mike.
Jacqui, There’s so much more to the other side of this story. I want you all working so diligently for our water resources to understand the ruin also effecting most people. I work diligently to help people understand that sugar (continued in next comment)
Thank you Carol.
is the largest factor in the deteriorating health of humans. The AMA and Educational Institutions continually mislead in this fact. So the giants you face have friends in many other leadership sectors to keep the status quo. You have my email if you’d like to ‘chat’.
Thank you. Yes.
Can we demand an investigation on how this bill was born and brought forth. At least it would define the enemy.
It is not possible. We assume it is from the Senate President. Or at least such was it allowed.
Noted. Unfortunate, however, noted.