Today February 10, 2015 the Alachua BOCC unanimously passed a resolution to support the anti-fracking bills SB166 and HB169 currently in the Florida Legislature.
The commissioners commented favorably on the resolution as being an important step in preparing against the ever increasing threat of this oil/gas extraction technique.
Several OSFR members were present to speak in support of this resolution. Among those who voiced support were President Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, Marihelen Wheeler, David Moritz, Suwannee St. John Sierra Club President Maryvonne Devensky, and others.
OSFR has been a leader in encouraging the various counties in or near the Santa Fe River basin to take this important step forward to protect our water and natural resources, and we commend the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners for using the power of their office for the good of the people of Alachua County and the State of Florida.
The environmental community has lost a great friend. Jill McGuire , long-time president of Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association, who passed away suddenly a few days ago.
Jill will be remembered for having a natural gift for patience, listening and understanding and the ability to bring people together. She was a gentle spirit, yet a fierce and effective advocate and trailblazer for water protection, wetlands and land conservation.
Jill , for over thirty five years, faithfully and tirelessly served as an advocate and protector of the Santa Fe wetlands, wildlife, river, lakes and the floodplain swamp – of critical importance in protecting and maintaining both the quantity and quality of water in Lake Santa Fe (an “Outstanding Florida Water”) and Santa Fe River.
We have lost a dear friend, one of the finest persons I have ever known and had the pleasure of working with for the past 18 years. Each of those years, Jill worked tirelessly and effectively to protect the waters and lands supporting the aquifer, springs and rivers within the watershed of the Santa Fe River.
Let’s all carry on the legacy….