On Fri. evening, April 29, 2016, there was supposed to be a meeting of the Bradford County commissioners at 945 Temple Ave. in Starke, but it was cancelled because the mining company filed an application for a permit that same morning.
So instead, the policy director of OSFR, Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, organized a rally held on the courthouse steps during the time period of the cancelled meeting. Many dedicated citizens showed up to express their feeling regarding the proposed mine, some local and some from as far away as Gainesville, Archer and St. Petersburg. Many OSFR members were present, including one of our Advisors Bob Knight, multiple board members, officers and general membership. OSFR has taken a stellar leadership role in combating this ill-advised scheme.
The Bradford County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, May 2 at 9:30 am at 945 Temple Ave, Starke, and the public will be allowed to speak during public comment to the mine issue.
On Tues, May 3, 2016 the Alachua Board of County Commissioners will meet and they have invited both Union and Bradford County commissioners to attend their workshop-style meeting to learn more from their professional environmental and legal staff.
Alachua County scheduled this meeting to decide how to proceed with the potential threat to our water and environment. Just recently they penned a strong letter to their Bradford counterparts expressing a deep concern over the proposed mine and the dangers and risks it would present to our fragile and lawfully protected Santa Fe River.
Everyone who possibly can is encouraged to attend both of these meetings and tell the authorities that you do not want this mine to be allowed.