Just as we have some of the most priceless springs and rivers in Florida, we also have those individuals who would destroy them for a profit, caring only for their lucre and not caring that they will ruin them for all those to come.
The individual in this case is named Jim Gissy, and you can read about his plans here.
Your writer has spent many pleasant days diving in the Rainbow River. During the summer busloads of youngsters would be unloaded and I believe that at times it was possible to walk across the river on the backs of the tubers without getting wet, since they filled the river from bank to bank. To say there is “overuse” is an understatement. This is nothing compared to what Gissy has planned.
Not only developers such as Gissy want to destroy the river, but also county and water district management leadership has shamelessly helped by allowing more and more pumping, way past the point of significant harm, and they have done it underhandedly, dishonestly, blatantly, egregiously and inexcusably. They have intentionally ignored science, facts and the will of the citizens of Florida .
The Rainbow River, jewel of Florida, can’t take much more.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
Dear Springs Protectors,
For me, the ethos of the Florida Springs Council is “All Springs, Always.”
That means the Springs Council stands together for policies that benefit all springs. It also means that we unite together when one spring or river is under grave threat.
Council member group Rainbow River Conservation Inc. has embraced our “all springs, always” ethos since FSC’s beginning. Their support of FSC advocacy and legal challenges has benefited springs across Florida. Please help us support them now.
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OVERUSE
The Rainbow River is already heavily impacted by the approximately 200,000 people who use the river each year. The addition of tens of thousands of more visitors is unsustainable and will diminish one of Florida’s great spring runs, ruining the ecosystem and the experience.
WATER POLLUTION
The resort will also create additional nutrient loading, further degrading the Rainbow River which is currently impaired by excessive nitrogen loading and smothered by algae. (Rainbow River, February 2020)
WHAT CAN WE DO TODAY
1.
Sign this petition and share it with everyone you can. With your help we can surpass 10K signatures!
2.
Forward this email. If this was forwarded to you, be sure to sign up for your own FSC email alerts so we can keep you informed on next steps.
3.
If you are able, make a donation to this special fund supporting Florida Springs Council’s on-the-ground work to protect the Rainbow River from this development.
This is a fight we can and must win.
All springs, always.
Florida law makers and greedy investors are taking away our natural recreation areas and using them for profit. It is evil.
Selling our Florida water to bottling companies is insane and now this. Everyone who loves our natural environment should donate to this cause and at least sign the petition and pass it on for others to sign.
The Rainbow River is precious. It’s an important treasure to safeguard.
As a native Floridian enough is enough. The Rainbow Springs and river is one of the most pristine and beautiful places in Florida. Leave it alone and wild. It’s beauty alone will bring enough tourism dollars to the area.