Natural Florida as we know it today is under constant threat: politicians, developers, and poor policy are all undermining the state we love. The Florida Land and Legacy amendment would help reverse this trend, and that’s why we need your help to get it on the 2014 ballot.
Natural Florida as we know it today is under constant threat: politicians, developers, and poor policy are all undermining the state we love. One of the best safeguards Florida has in place to check these unfriendly forces has been the purchase of essential and environmentally sensitive lands throughout the site. These lands are preserved for the common good and protected from further development. Land conservation programs like Florida Forever have historically enjoyed bipartisan support, from progressive Democrats like Bob Graham to conservative Republicans like Jeb Bush. In recent years, thanks to an economic recession and tight budgets, this bipartisan conesus (at least in the state capitol) has essentially unraveled. Revenue from real estate transactions (doc stamps) dedicated to land conservation have instead been used in general revenue to balance the budget.
The Florida Land and Legacy amendment would ensure revenue dedicated to land conservation is actually used for land conservation (crazy, right?) Progress Florida proudly supports the Land and Legacy amendment and encourages you to sign the petition to get it on the 2014 ballot. Here’s the email we sent out earlier this afternoon:
Friend,
There’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure Florida protects its precious waters, wildlife, and open spaces, and we can’t afford to let it pass us by. Florida’s Water and Land Legacy Campaign is working to place an historic conservation amendment on the November 2014 ballot that would ensure Florida is annually investing in critical land conservation.
We need to gather 150,000 more signatures from Florida voters in the next five months. Will you help us reach that goal by signing a petition today?
This amendment to Florida’s Constitution would ensure the allocation of a small percentage of our state budget to fund conservation that forever protects Florida’s remaining natural treasures.
Each signed petition from a Florida voter gets us one step closer to protecting what’s best about living here: miles of beaches, beautiful parks, crystal clear springs, endless opportunities to swim, bike and fish, and an amazing diversity of plants and animals. We must take a stand to protect Florida’s natural heritage.
Florida is a special place, unlike any in the world. The Florida we love is under constant pressure from short-sighted politicians, relentless developers, and corporate special interest driven policies. Now more than ever, it’s critical our state invests in protecting and preserving natural Florida.
Florida needs your help, and together we will create an environmental legacy we can all be proud of.
For Florida’s future,
Mark, Damien, and the Progress Florida team
P.S. If you haven’t already, please consider volunteering with Florida’s Water and Land Legacy Campaign. Gathering signatures with other volunteers is the most effective way you can help us reach the finish line and ensure that the amendment makes it to the ballot!
PD. POL. ADV. PAID FOR AND PROVIDED IN-KIND BY PROGRESS FLORIDA, 1010 CENTRAL AVENUE #209, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33705.