Four concerned citizens spoke to the Bradford County Commissioners at their Monday morning meeting Feb. 7, 2022, but received no acknowledgement or recognition from the commissioners during the latter’s comments. Your historian read a letter from Suwannee St Johns Group of the Sierra Club as well as his own, making five different speeches.
The majority of the concerns expressed dealt with the allegations that county staff was giving misinformation or stalling in reporting issues concerning the permit application by HPS Enterprises to mine phosphate in Union and Bradford counties.
Advocate Carol Mosely produced documents with copies to the commissioners indicating evidence contrary to earlier allegations made by County Attorney Will Sexton.
Others speaking to the issue urged the board to deal with the pending permit which has been ongoing for several years.
There was no reaction at all from the commissioners nor Mr. Sexton.
Years earlier Union County placed a moratorium on mining permits until they had time to revise the county Land Development Regulations. Since 2016 Union County has held fast in rejecting HPS’ attempts to mine there, resulting in a pending lawsuit by HPS against the county.
Many environmental groups and also Alachua County have steadfastly opposed this destructive industry proposed for the banks of the already damaged Santa Fe River.
New commissioner Carolyn Spooner was the only board member or staff to wear a mask. She very gently suggested that wearing masks in the room was a good idea. Her suggestion was met with at least one person shaking his head and saying “no” aloud.
