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The Blue Path in the Media


  • Suwannee River, Photo: Alan Cressler

Links to Print Media Coverage for The Blue Path

 

Florida’s Eden and the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

Lucinda Faulkner Merritt:  Are we doing enough to reverse the damage to our water?

In a recent opinion piece, Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick argues that the “outstanding accomplishments” of our farmers and ranchers “sustain our quality of life.” When I think about quality of life, two things I consider are water quantity and quality. While I know that some farmers and ranchers care about our water as much as I do and some agricultural water conservation efforts have been successful, Hoblick fails to address one crucial question: Are current agricultural efforts enough to reverse the damage that has already been done to the quality and quantity of our waters?

Published May 18, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130518/OPINION03/130519667

 

Robert L. Knight:  Remove Rodman Dam

In my 1980 doctoral dissertation, I documented the plummeting decline in fish populations in Silver Springs and the Silver River compared to similar studies conducted in the 1950s. My research was conducted about 10 years after the creation of the Rodman Pool and Dam on the Ocklawaha River and found that the formerly dominant fish, striped mullet and channel catfish, were no longer common in Silver Springs.

Published May 12, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130512/OPINION03/130519941

 

Robert Knight:  Canaries in a coal mine

...While The Sun article appears to conclude that pesticides are not elevated in groundwater in our area, there is one environmental contaminant that is clearly elevated in these drinking water wells ­— namely nitrate nitrogen derived from fertilizers, animal wastes and septic tanks.

Published March 31, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130331/OPINION03/130329541

 

Lucinda Merritt:  We agree—threats to our aquifer are real

Something remarkable happened at the recent Springs Conservation Summit organized by Robert Knight of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute. Thirteen people from private businesses, governmental agencies, advocacy groups and a public utility agreed that the health of the Floridan Aquifer — the source of drinking water for millions of people in North and Central Florida — is threatened.

Published March 18, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130318/OPINION03/130319676

 

Robert Knight:  Black clouds still loom over Silver Springs

Silver Springs has been the subject of considerable attention for the past year. Last spring, Silver Springs' flows were plummeting to a record low and nitrate contamination was at an all-time high.

Published February 3, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130203/OPINION03/130209956

 

Robert Knight:  Restoring Silver Springs:  It's a regional challenge

On Dec. 11, the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District held the fourth and final meeting concerning their new Springs Protection Initiative. The primary topics at the meeting were the declining water flows at Silver Springs and the causes and effects of nitrate nitrogen pollution. To any attendee who might have expected to hear what the district was planning to do to ensure the protection of Silver Springs, these meetings must have been alarming.

Published December 30, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121230/OPINION/121229683/1183/OPINION?Title=Restoring-Silver-Springs-It-8217-s-a-regional-challenge

 

Robert L. Knight:  Restoring "Dreamville"

The famous musician Tom Petty wrote the hit song “Dreamville” to commemorate living in Gainesville and swimming at the Glen Springs pool during his youth. After decades of back and forth negotiations and failed attempts by the city to purchase and restore Glen Springs, an iconic natural and cultural resource, the stars may finally be aligning.

Published December 23, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121223/OPINION03/121229934

 

Robert L. Knight:  The River of Denial

‘The longest river in Florida is the River of Denial that runs through Tallahassee” (a quote from John Moran, concerning the state's claim that they are “Getting the water right,” at the Speak-up for Silver Springs Rally on June 23).

Published December 16, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121216/OPINION03/121219918

 

Robert L. Knight:  Florida's water balance is showing a loss

Florida is blessed with an abundant freshwater income — an average of about 175 billion gallons per day (BGD). Yet, we are having serious trouble living within our means.

Published November 18, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121118/OPINION/121119751?tc=ar

 

Cynthia Barnett:  America's water mirage

Even at Hoover Dam, the ugly truth about our water crisis is being ignored.

Published November 11, 2012

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-barnett-water-colorado-river-scarcity-20121111,0,5481542.story?fb_action_ids=4882250535514&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%224882250535514%22%3A484253561618690%7D&action_type_map=%7B%224882250535514%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

 

Robert L. Knight:  Gainesville's Water Future

On Oct. 5, The Gainesville Sun reported that Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) won't request more groundwater when they apply for renewal of their Consumptive Use Permit. With expectations for the city to grow by 55,000 people over the next 20 years (a 29 percent increase), the city is assuming that its population will increase, but with a lower per capita future water use.

Published October 14, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121014/OPINION03/121019838

 

Robert L. Knight:  Overdrawing our water budget

Florida is blessed with an abundant freshwater income — an average of about 175 billion gallons per day (BGD). Yet we are having serious trouble living within our means.

Published September 10, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120910/OPINION03/120909648

 

Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute:  The Second Year of the Institute

Letter to the Institute's advisory board detailing accomplishments for the second year of operation.

Published July 20, 2012

http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/the-second-year-of-the-institute

 

Jill Heinerth:  Our Town:  High Springs as mecca for eco-tourism:  what the springs have to offer

Water runs through our earth like blood – falling down as rain and seeping through the limestone – resurfacing to form crystal waterways that flow through our terrain. A spring is where the aquifer emerges above ground like it’s coming up for air. (Includes video and photo gallery)

Published July 2012

http://www.wuft.org/local-programs/our-town/high-springs-as-mecca-for-eco-tourism/

 

Bob Knight:  A North Florida water war

Cedar Key is ground zero in Florida`s latest water war. On one side are those who wish to promote additional groundwater consumption for urban and agricultural development. On the other side are a growing number of Floridians who believe that they have an obligation to protect their groundwater supply.

Published July 27, 2012

http://cedarkeynews.com/All/5957.html?15

 

Robert L. Knight:  Adena Springs Ranch in the court of public opinion

When was the last time you saw a two-page ad in the Gainesville Sun? Probably not that long ago. It was bought by another billion dollar company. BP Oil has spent millions trying to convince us that the Gulf of Mexico was not harmed by more than 206 million gallons of crude oil from their Deep Water Horizon drilling platform. Now a lawyer working for Adena Springs Ranch, thinks a 2-page newspaper ad will convince the public that he can pump more than 13 million gallons per day (4.8 billion gallons per year) from the aquifer and cause no harmful affects on groundwater levels or flows at nearby Silver Springs.

Published July 28, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120728/OPINION/120729615/-1/news?p=1&tc=pg

 

Robert L. Knight: We expect more of our leaders

Florida's waters are in worse shape and more imperiled than at any time in recorded history.

Published July 2, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120702/OPINION03/120639993

 

Annie Pais: Come to Silver River State Park Saturday to help us find a New Way

Florida's water crisis can inspire us to be a world model for how to sustain a creative economy.

Published June 21, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120621/OPINION03/120629998

 

Robert L. Knight: Water under pressure

It is not in the best interest of Florida's future environment and economy to continue on this path of excess and environmental degradation.

Published May 27, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120527/OPINION03/120529698

 

Robert L. Knight: Florida's ‘perfect storm' water crisis

We're pumping the aquifer at the highest rate in recorded history, while nitrate contamination is on the rise.

Published May 8, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120508/OPINION03/120509663

 

Robert L. Knight: Save the Santa Fe

The people who reside in North Central Florida are seriously concerned about the declining health of their groundwater, springs and rivers.

Published March 18, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120318/OPINION03/120319717

 

Robert L. Knight: The signs of water distress

The Santa Fe River has dried up; a somewhat abstract concept for many Gainesville residents. After all, water still magically appears when they turn the handle of a faucet.

Published December 11, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111211/OPINION03/111209720

 

Annie Pais: Writers continue to draw inspiration from our rivers, springs

Like a deep current in one of our great rivers, a powerful tradition of environmental writing, fed from many clear springs, flows throughout the history of North Florida. This literary tradition emerged over 200 years ago, when naturalist William...

Published September 28, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110928/OPINION/110929491

 

Annie Pais: Recipe for economic success: Talent and a sense of place

In a world where top workers can go anywhere they like, what will distinguish Gainesville from other innovative hot spots?

Published March 21, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110321/OPINION03/110319351

 

A magical month to live here

March is the perfect month to immerse yourself in our scenic region.

Published March 7, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110307/OPINION/110309759

 

‘Blue Path’ exhibit extended at Florida Museum of Natural History


Now extended through Feb. 13, “The Blue Path: Protecting Florida’s Springs” exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History has struck a chord with many visitors since it opened in August.

Published January 6, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110106/COLUMNISTS/110109778

 

Annie Pais: North Florida has the potential to be a prime travel destination for ‘aware visitors'

The five fastest growing tourism genres are strong in our region: nature-based, culture, heritage, culinary, and romance.

Published December 26, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101226/OPINION03/101229761

 

Robert Knight: Orlando pools make waves in High Springs

Water is the life blood of this region; aptly called the "Springs Heartland." And all life here is dependent on its circulation.

Published October 10, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101010/OPINION03/10101000

 

FLMNH exhibit follows Florida’s ‘Blue Path’


The springs are one of Gainesville and North Central Florida's most treasured pastimes — rivaled only to when the Gators take the field. On any given weekend, students and natives alike flock to its cool waters like snowbirds flying south for...

Published August 27, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100827/ARTICLES/100829523

 

The Blue Path: Florida's water miracle

The Florida Museum of Natural History's new Blue Path exhibit is part art show, part science lesson and part early warning system.

Published August 15, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100815/COLUMNISTS/100819721

 

Saving Florida's Eden

For Annie Pais, when it comes to art and community activism, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Both of Pais' parents were artists in New York City while she was growing up. After her father died in the early 1960s, her mother moved the...

Published April 18, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100418/MAGAZINE01/100419427

 

Robert Knight: Florida 'springs time'

Those of us who have witnessed the accelerating decline in springs' health are eager for this long winter of apathy to come to an end.

Published April 11, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100411/OPINION03/4111002

 

Robert Knight: Going with the flow?

For years the people of North Florida have been alarmed about a pipeline potentially transferring “our water” to those more highly populated and industrialized areas to the south and east.

Published October 18, 2009

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091018/OPINION03/910169977

 

Robert Knight: Now is the time to save Florida's springs

To save our crystal clear springs we must reduce nitrogen loads.

Published April 12, 2009

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090412/OPINION03/904121012

 

Robert Knight: Florida’s Springs: What are They Waiting For?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) “Springs Initiative” recently published their Draft 2008 Monitoring Network Report. The Springs Initiative has conducted regular monitoring of spring water quality and discharge quantity at...

Published March 7, 2009

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090307/OPINION03/903070930

 

Robert Knight: Save our springs

Reduced groundwater levels and high nitrate content are both consequences of poor land use decisions.

Published December 14, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20081214/OPINION03/812130973

 

Dr. Robert L. Knight: Saving Silver Springs can’t wait forever

I first visited Silver Springs in August 1953. I was only 5 years old and little did I know that a three-year landmark ecological study was under way under the direction of a new, young professor at the University of Florida named Howard T. Odum. I...

Published September 28, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080928/OPINION03/809280253

 

Annie Pais: How can we protect our water in Florida?

In this great democratic country of ours, the people must mandate protecting the natural resources or nothing will be done.

Published September 14, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080914/OPINION03/809140241

 

ROBERT KNIGHT AND SKY NOTESTEIN: Save Florida's springs

Florida has more artesian springs 700 of them than any other place in the world. Some are large and familiar, like Silver, Ichetucknee and Wakulla; others small and hidden away, like Fern Hammock and Shangri-La. But they all have a crucial role in...

Published August 14, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080814/OPINION03/47051329

 

Reporting

Local writer speaks on rain, water and climate

"Who dreams of being kissed in the sun, or dancing in the dust?" asked Gainesville author Cynthia Barnett on Monday night, speaking to an audience gathered at Santa Fe College for an event called "Of Thirst, Beauty and Vision: Writing to Save Our Waters," which honored local writers whose work addresses environmental, and specifically water-related, issues.

Published April 23, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130423/ARTICLES/130429836

 

Five nature writers to be honored at SF College on Monday

North Central Florida's natural riches, namely its springs, have lured nature writers for hundreds of years — and that literary heritage will be celebrated on Monday evening at an event featuring four Gainesville-based Florida Book Award winners.

Published April 20, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130420/ARTICLES/130429991

 

Panel focuses on saving our springs

John Moran becomes animated when he talks about the Ichetucknee Springs. The nature photographer has visited the park for more than 30 years, and he said he's seen the springs worsen over the years. "You don't have to be an expert to go to the springs and realize all is not well," he said. Both pollution and over-pumping of water are two things that are damaging Florida's springs, he said.

Published April 20, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130420/ARTICLES/130429983

 

Special events at the Florida Museum celebrate Earth Day

When John Moran was 22 years old, he pedaled a grueling 70 miles on his bike to reconnect with one of the loves of his life — the crystal blue, flowing waters of the Peacock Springs on the Suwannee River. This love inspired Moran to spend his life as a nature photographer, venturing out with his camera to document the beauty of Florida’s springs. He never would have guessed almost 40 years later, however, that the same waters that sparked his passion would be choked with algae and turned murky green.

Published April 18, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130418/ENT/130419624

 

John Moran:  Springs eternal?

I often wonder what Florida must have looked like to Juan Ponce de León and those other early European explorers, pushing forth into the interior of the peninsula in what surely was a remarkable odyssey of discovery.

Published March 29, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130329/GMAG/130329424

 

What does the future hold for Silver Springs?

State park managers have offered a peek at how Silver Springs will be transformed from its awkward mix of zoo animals, kiddie rides, boat excursions and aging entertainers into a recreation venue anchored by one of the best known natural features in inland Florida.

Published March 10, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130310/ARTICLES/130309578?tc=cr

 

Wekiva River lovers rally for elusive goal: Return of 'unspoiled natural jewel'

A map that suggests there's smoking-gun evidence for what's killing the Wekiva River was prepared years ago for state environmental officials in Orlando.

Published February 16, 2013

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-wekiva-pollution-ignored-20130216,0,7665477.story

 

John Moran hopes his exhibit will shine a light on springs' plight

For decades, Gainesville photographer John Moran has tried to capture the unique beauty of Florida's nature through his photographs. In that same time, however, he turned a blind eye to the less picturesque signs of environmental changes.

Published January 31, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130131/ARTICLES/130139883

 

Florida rivers getting sicker, Sentinel investigation finds

Florida's rivers are in trouble.

That's what the Orlando Sentinel found after a yearlong evaluation of some of the state's biggest and smallest, most urban and remote, cleanest and dirtiest, protected and abused rivers.

Published January 16, 2013

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-fla-rivers-day1-decline-20121215,0,5549875.story

 

Report Finds Water Pollution In Florida Costs Up To $10.5 Billion, Annually

In the first comprehensive review of its kind, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), based at Tufts University, has released a white paper entitled Valuing Florida's Clean Waters. The paper finds that algae and red tide outbreaks caused by water pollution cost Floridians between $1.3 billion and $10.5 billion each year.

Published November 28, 2012

http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/science-a-environmental/38672-report-finds-water-pollution-in-florida-costs-up-to-105-billion-annually.html

 

Florida's Vanishing Springs

Results of a two-year investigation into the state of our springs by Craig Pittman and others with the Tampa Bay Times. Includes a video, a graphic, and articles about The Crisis, Ginnie Springs (Gilchrist County), Silver Glen (Ocala National Forest), Silver Springs (Ocala), and Sulphur Springs (Tampa).

Published November 25, 2012

http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2012/reports/florida-springs/index.html

 

Valuing Florida's Clean Waters

Report by Elizabeth A. Stanton and Matthew Taylor, Stockholm Environment Institute

Publlished November 13, 2012

http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/ValuingFloridasCleanWaters.pdf

 

Bruce Ritchie:  White Springs mayor leads support for water legislation that seeks to protect springs

The mayor of White Springs, a north Central Florida town whose namesake springs quit flowing more than two decades ago, is leading an effort behind proposed legislation to restore the Floridan Aquifer to levels before development occurred in Florida.

Published October 29, 2012

http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=30014060

  

Troubled springs:  What happens when the magic trickles away?

If you don't look too hard, the submerged limestone vents in Silver Springs seem to be pumping out the same liquid enchantment they have for centuries. (by Bill Belleville, guest columnist)

Published July 22, 2012

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-22/news/os-ed-silver-springs-protect-072212-20120720_1_silver-springs-salt-springs-freshwater-springs

 

Sierra Club Florida News:  National environmental CEOs ask EPA to reject Florida's nutrient standards

As leaders of the nation’s largest environmental organizations concerned with public healthand clean water, we write you on behalf of our millions of members and supporters to urgeyou to protect Florida’s waters from toxic algae outbreaks and disapprove Florida’s proposedstandards that fail to achieve that goal. This is both a regional and national imperative, asnitrogen and phosphorous pollution from sewage treatment plants, fertilizer and manurerunoff, and other sources foul not only Florida’s waters but also rivers, streams, lakes, andbeaches across the country.

Published July 19, 2012

http://www.sierraclubfloridanews.org/2012/07/national-environmental-ceos-ask-epa-to.html

 

‘Clock is ticking’ for Silver Springs, environmentalists warn

One of Florida’s most popular natural attractions is disappearing. That’s the alarm environmentalists are sounding about Silver Springs in Ocala.

Published July 6, 2012

http://news.wfsu.org/post/clock-ticking-silver-springs-environmentalists-warn

 

High Springs Commission at odd on water issues

After a presentation by Robert Knight, director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, on the quantity and quality of Florida’s water…

Sunday, June 24, 2012

http://www.alachuacountytoday.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2511:high-springs-commission-at-odds-on-water-issues&catid=102:local&Itemid=426

 

Low flows of Santa Fe River, springs a concern

Jim Wood looked out at what used to be a river and spotted a glass bottle. He stepped down and used a pole to retrieve it from the muck. At least, he joked, the Santa Fe drying up made it easier to clean.

Published June 9, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120609/ARTICLES/120609598

 

Decline in water flow at Silver Springs raises sharp disagreement

At the center of the feud is whether the cattle operation should get a 13.2 million gallons-per-day water permit from Florida water regulators, and whether pumping that much water would harm an already diminishing Silver Springs.

Published June 1, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120601/ARTICLES/120609933

 

Tough water rules not enough, officials warn

The restrictions take effect June 13 and apply to landscape watering, car washing, some golf course irrigation, agriculture and other uses.

Published May 30, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120530/ARTICLES/120539941

 

Further water restrictions coming for Suwannee district

Rain streamed down as a group of about 50 residents met on Tuesday night here, bemoaning what has happened to their beloved springs and rivers as a result of not only the severe drought but also because of seemingly insatiable human consumption.

Published May 29, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120529/ARTICLES/120529557

 

Photos: John Moran captures slime on Santa Fe River

Photos from John Moran on the Santa Fe

Published May 25, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120525/ARTICLES/120529739

 

Algae develops on drought-depleted Santa Fe River

With the drought-depleted Santa Fe River nearly stagnant in places, a bloom of algae has developed on the river near High Springs, and officials are cautioning swimmers about potential health risks — though they don't believe it is a toxic...

Published May 23, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120523/ARTICLES/120529807

 

Water-issue protesters greet UF's Stronach center dedication

Billionaire auto parts magnate Frank Stronach said that high school bands usually welcome him at openings for his factories, so he "felt a bit bad" about being met by protesters at Tuesday's dedication of a University of Florida conference center...

Published May 15, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120515/ARTICLES/120519743

 

Advocate for springs pleads for tougher rules on water use

In the midst of a drought and more discussion in the region about water usage, the Alachua County Commission on Tuesday was urged to do more to move toward a solution.

Published May 8, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120508/ARTICLES/120509594

 

Environmental ‘disaster' looms for Florida, Browner warns


Florida as we know it -- beaches, fresh drinking water, the Everglades -- will disappear unless action is taken to curb climate change, national environmental leader Carol Browner said at a dinner Friday night.

Published February 24, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120224/ARTICLES/120229672

 

More sinkholes found at school district sites in Marion

Two more sinkholes were found at two more school district sites, pushing the number to seven caverns at four Marion County locations.

Published October 16, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111016/ARTICLES/111019602

 

Water woes need new solutions, Gainesville author says

The solution to Florida's dwindling water supply goes beyond less lawn irrigation or shorter showers. It requires a water ethic and a new way of thinking about the disappearing resource.

Published October 9, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111009/ARTICLES/111009621

 

Cynthia Barnett will discuss new book Sunday


Cynthia Barnett is discussing her book “Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S." at the Matheson Museum. Published September 30, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110930/ARTICLES/110939938


 

Exhibit pays tribute to the work and spirit of the late Wes Skiles

The life and work of Wes Skiles, the late world-famous underwater cinematographer, explorer and pioneer, is being celebrated over the next month with "Wes Skiles — Explorer, Photographer, Visionary" — an exhibit in his honor that runs...

Published August 27, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110827/ARTICLES/110829596

 

Drought leads to record lows on the Suwannee

John Hannum hates to say it, but he hopes a tropical storm hits North Florida this summer and brings heavy rains with it.

Published June 25, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110625/ARTICLES/110629681

 

Advance screening of 'Sanctum' honors the late Wes Skiles

The subterranean beauty that the late Wes Skiles of High Springs brought to the world was celebrated in Gainesville Wednesday.

Published February 2, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110202/ARTICLES/110209831

 

Advance screening of Cameron's ‘Sanctum' set for Gainesville

It was supposed to be a riveting voyage into the murky depths of an underground springs system on a barren Australian plain.

Published January 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110119/ARTICLES/110119431

 

Harrowing dive with Wes Skiles inspires the film ‘Sanctum'

It was supposed to be a riveting voyage into the murky depths of an underground springs system on a barren Australian plain.

Published January 18, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110118/ARTICLES/110119442

 

Age of Wonder

In "The Age of Wonder," Richard Holmes writes about the knowledge revolution that began at the end of the 18th century — basically, when scientists started to hang out with artists.

Published January 16, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110116/ARTICLES/110119624

 

Suwannee district begins planning for water shortages, alternative sources

Groundwater supplies will not meet future demands within the Suwannee River Water Management District's 7,640-square-mile jurisdiction, says a long-term study the district governing board formally accepted in mid-December.

Published December 29, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101229/ARTICLES/101229509

 

Famed area photographer Skiles dies

His work took us places we never could imagine, and opened up worlds most of us never will see. Wes Skiles, 52, was a photographer, diver, explorer and environmental advocate who helped put the town of High Springs on the map.

Published July 23, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100723/ARTICLES/7231013

 

A man on a mission

For Florida nature photographer John Moran, before there was a camera, there was the swamp. As a child growing up in the Fort Myers of the 1960s, his playground was the enticingly dense glade next to his house.

Published April 18, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100418/MAGAZINE01/100419431

 

Why I Love Where I Live: Newnan's Lake

Aah, Newnan's lake. The water quality ain't what it used to be (hey, welcome to Florida) and I hardly ever see Florida's signature reptile here anymore (the annual alligator hunt took care of that), but old Lake Pithlachocco is still a truly lovely...

Published April 18, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100418/MAGAZINE01/100419430

 

‘The Ichetucknee is my muse’

Steve Earl's musings — embodied in poetry, prose, photography and watercolor landscapes — have culminated in a coffee table book, “Ichetucknee: Sacred Waters,” just published by University Press of Florida.

Published October 13, 2009

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091013/MAGAZINE01/910139922

 

Experts, authors talk water at Santa Fe forum

Writer and journalist Cynthia Barnett thinks the state’s water policy is swimming against a current of common sense ideas. Barnett, author of the acclaimed book “Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Waters of the Eastern U.S.,” said that’s been the...

Published October 3, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20081003/NEWS/810049981

 

SFC hosts exhibition inspired by water

North Florida is made of water. Our identity is rooted in it. We revel in our cold springs, tannic rivers and bountiful lakes. It is the symbol of our region and it is now the focus of several new shows and lectures that put art and science in the...

Published September 17, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080917/COLUMNISTS/809170203

 

Water protection campaign kicks off Friday

The One Region/One Book project, a new campaign aimed at protecting Florida's water resources, will kick off Friday at Santa Fe College. The event — at the Santa Fe Gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. — will combine the opening of an art exhibit with a book...

Published September 14, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080914/NEWS/809140246

 

Water protection campaign kicks off Friday

The One Region/One Book project, a new campaign aimed at protecting Florida's water resources, will kick off Friday at Santa Fe College. The event — at the Santa Fe Gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. — will combine the opening of an art exhibit with a book...

Published September 11, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080911/NEWS/809110231

 

Florida Book Awards recognizes, awards many writing categories

Though only in its third year, the Florida Book Awards is the most comprehensive state awards program because it includes more categories than any other state competition, said director Wayne Wiegand.

Published August 10, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080810/NEWS/94697319

 

Beauty, charm draw visitors to Suwannee River

Drawn by an old familiar song, growing numbers of travelers are seeking out the tea-colored waters of the Suwannee River. And galvanized by the song, environmentalists and legislators are fighting to keep the stream unspoiled amid thirsty Florida's...

Published August 9, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080809/NEWS/203450008

 

Special Report:  Florida's Vanishing Wetlands

Published in 2007

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/webspecials06/wetlands/

 

Barnett writes about a water crisis with a hopeful heart

Cynthia Barnett was neck deep in research for a master's degree in history when she detoured into the dream of all journalists. Barnett, 40, is a reporter with Florida Trend magazine and a former writer and editor at The Gainesville Sun. Back in...

Published April 14, 2007

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070414/DAYBREAK/704140339

 

Ichetucknee by Moonlight

I’d been kicking around the idea for a decade or more: to photograph a canoeist at night, paddling up the run at Devil's Eye Spring on the Ichetucknee–the scene illuminated by moonlight. I finally got the chance a few months ago for my shot in the...

Published December 4, 2006

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20061204/MAGAZINE17/61203074

 

Ecology pioneer Odum dead at 78

Howard Thomas Odum, a University of Florida graduate research professor emeritus who founded the fields of ecological economics and ecological engineering, died of cancer on Wednesday at Hospice House of North Central Florida in Gainesville. He was...

Published September 12, 2002

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20020912/LOCAL/209120352

 

Opinion 

 Ron Cunningham:  Failure to act on Rodman Dam due to politics of inertia

What moves more slowly than the water in the Rodman Reservoir? The politics of inertia.

Published May 19, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130519/COLUMNISTS/130519640

 

Ron Cunningham:  This is turning out to be an abysmal session for the environment

Florida may have the greenest state Legislature in America. And that's the problem. Most of us have come to think of green as the color of environmental stewardship. But up in Tallahassee they still think green is the color of money. As in “Look, the Santa Fe River is turning green. Why, it looks just like money.”

Published April 21, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130421/COLUMNISTS/130419422

 

Ron Cunningham:  Exhibit shows that time is running short for springs

John Moran has a time machine. And you ought to take yourself over to the Florida Museum of Natural History to see what he's done with it. As might be expected of such a wonderous contraption, it will make you gasp with wonder. It will fill you with awe. And it should make you angry as well.

Published March 24, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130324/COLUMNISTS/130329848/1088/opinion?Title=Exhibit-shows-that-time-is-running-short-for-springs

 

Lucinda Merritt: We agree - threats to our aquifer are real

Something remarkable happened at the recent Springs Conservation Summit organized by Robert Knight of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute. Thirteen people from private businesses, governmental agencies, advocacy groups and a public utility agreed that the health of the Floridan Aquifer — the source of drinking water for millions of people in North and Central Florida — is threatened.

Published March 18, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130318/OPINION03/130319676

 

Do lawmakers know or care that our springs are dying?

On the day we all gathered at the river to worry about water, we were warned not to we touch the stuff. The water, I mean.

Published March 10, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130310/COLUMNISTS/130309631

 

Editorial: A rare opportunity for Silver Springs

Despite that exceptional financial windfall, we have yet to see or hear any plans from DRP about any specific, let alone intensive, environmental cleanup of this iconic natural wonder.

Published February 24, 2013

http://www.ocala.com/article/20130224/OPINION/130229867?p=2&tc=pg&tc=ar

  

Editorial:  The leadership drought on water

Environmental groups heralded Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed 2013-14 state budget for calling for renewed spending on conservation lands, Everglades restoration, state park improvements and a massive fuel tank cleanup. It was not everything they wanted, but after years of humiliation and defeat, Scott’s plan is seen as an environmental victory. Everything is relative.

What was egregiously shortchanged in Scott’s budget, however, was protecting, indeed restoring Florida’s diminishing water supply.

Published February 7, 2013

http://www.ocala.com/article/20130207/OPINION01/130209777

 

Editorial:  Water remains Gainesville's birthright

When you come right down to it, two things put Gainesville on the map: Water and railroads. The railroads are long gone. We better see to our water.

Published January 27, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130127/COLUMNISTS/130129676

 

Annette Long:  It's our water

Is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection rewarding water conservation or moving toward water privatization?

Published January 20, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130120/OPINION03/130119759

 

Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson:  Money to clean Santa Fe was swept down the river

Almost a million dollars meant to help clean up the Santa Fe River has been quietly swept down the river.

Published January 19, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130119/OPINION03/130119605?p=1&tc=pg

 

Editorial:  Dream come true

The final obstacle to turning Silver Springs into a state park appears gone. State officials said Wednesday they reached an agreement to let Palace Entertainment, which currently operates the attraction, buy out its lease.

Published January 19, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130119/OPINION01/130119607

 

Editorial:  Nature's power

If Marion County’s two water management districts need any inspiration for expediting their similar but separate plans to clean up the county’s two renowned first magnitude springs — Silver and Rainbow — we encourage them to look at the recent news out of South Florida about the Everglades. What they will see and learn is that taking action to clean up our waterways does produce results — and rather quickly.

Published January 15, 2013

http://www.ocala.com/article/20130115/OPINION01/130119848

 

Phil Emmer:  Revive Glen Springs

On Dec. 23, The Sun carried an article by environmentalist Robert Knight recommending the restoration of Glen Springs to its original beauty and recreational values, while also retrieving its value as a water source (and resource). I do not know him, but the article hit a home run and could go a very long way in improving Gainesville's water resources as he suggested, but could even become much more beneficial to the community as a recreational area.

Published January 14, 2013

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130114/OPINION03/130119897

 

Ocala Star-Banner:  Ignoring the real water problem

On the surface, North Florida's two regional water management districts appear to be showing commendable initiative in studying ways to recharge our depleted and declining aquifer.

Published December 31, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121231/OPINION01/121239978/1008/OPINION?Title=Ignoring-the-real-water-problem

 

Barbara Purdy:  Florida's aquifer was the work of five millennia

From approximately 18,000 years ago until about 12,000 years ago (give or take a couple of thousand years), worldwide sea level was 300 feet lower than today because the water was needed to maintain glaciers during the last Ice Age.

Published December 29, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121229/OPINION03/121229668

 

Editorial:  On the surface

On the surface, our two regional local water management districts appear to be showing commendable initiative in studying ways to recharge our depleted aquifer.

Published December 27, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121227/OPINION01/121229763?fb_action_ids=424396394299696&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

 

Editorial:  What's Florida's water worth?

While Floridians paid rapt attention to this week’s record $587 million Powerball drawing, we suspect they did not pause once to think about the value of the jackpot that is right before their eyes every day.

Published December 2, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121202/OPINION/121139970?

 

Editorial:  A plan to save Silver Springs

What do the people of Ocala/Marion County want to happen to Silver Springs?

Published November 28, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121128/opinion01/121129697

 

Jim Stevenson: Politics of water, votes and septic tanks

My wife and I have a septic tank that processes the wastes from our home, and I know its specific location in the yard. Some homeowners have never thought about their septic tank and have no idea where it is. That means that they have never had their tank pumped.

Published November 5, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121105/OPINION03/121039977

 

Editorial:  Analyze the aquifer

For White Springs Mayor Helen B. Miller, Florida’s water problems hit home more than two decades ago, when White Sulphur Springs dried up. It was a stunning natural phenomenon, considering White Sulphur Springs used to spew out of the banks of the Suwannee River.

Published November 3, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121103/OPINION01/121109904

 

Editorial:  What we don't know

For White Springs Mayor Helen B. Miller, Florida's water problems hit home more than two decades ago, when White Sulphur Springs dried up. "Hydrologists and other experts tell us excessive consumptive water withdrawals and compromised recharge zones are the cause," Miller wrote in a recent letter to water advocates. "However, our situation is not unique."

Published November 1, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121101/OPINION01/121039898

 

Barbara Ferguson:  Florida's environmental clock

Florida is looking like a clock, a clock of environmental disaster in all directions.

Published October 22, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121022/OPINION03/121019470

 

Editorial:  Clear objective

Words that once described Florida’s spectacular springs — words like crystal clear and sparkling — are no longer applicable. Decades of runoff from fertilizer and farming, from stormwater and septic tanks have left our once crystalline springs clouded, polluted and sick. Officially, too many of them, including Marion County’s Silver and Rainbow springs, have been designated “impaired.”

Published October 18, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121018/OPINION01/121019677

 

Editorial:  Florida's water bill

Floridians can pay a little more now or a lot more later.

Published September 23, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120923/OPINION01/120929871

 

Katie Tripp:  Get involved in water issues

It has been a big year for water issues in Florida, particularly north Florida.

Published September 20, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120920/OPINION/120929977

 

The Time is Now

It is tempting to think that all the rain we've been getting of late will restore our region's ailing springs. But it isn't only water quantity, but water quality that is at the root of springs degradation.

Published September 2, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120902/OPINION01/120909959/1076/opinion?Title=Editorial-The-time-is-now

 

Conversation Starter

What has been painfully obvious from the start of this spirited public debate about Adena Springs is the lack of participation by our public officials. Florida is in a water crisis — the people know it even if our elected representatives refuse to acknowledge it. Adena Springs lowering its permit request by 60 percent is a good public relations move and potentially a good environmental move, but the conversation about Florida's water is far, far from over; indeed, it has yet to get started in earnest.

Published August 26, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20120826/OPINION/120829797?p=1&tc=pg

 

The Rains Came

Yes, it's been raining an awful lot lately. And, yes, the Santa Fe River may flood ... again. And, yes, Isaac may bring even more of the wet stuff that Beryl and Debby already dumped on us.

Drought over, right? Our water problems are solved.

Published August 24, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120824/OPINION01/120829812

 

Out of Sight

But there are indications that, globally, mankind's heavy reliance on ancient underground reservoirs is approaching the limits of sustainability — and having some unanticipated big-picture consequences in the process.

Published August 12, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120812/COLUMNISTS/120819943/1088/opinion?Title=Ron-Cunningham-Out-of-sight

 

Editorial:  Green Florida

Is there an environmental ethic in Florida? If so, it seems utterly lacking in the state's political establishment.

Published August 9, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120809/OPINION01/120809613/1076/opinion?Title=Editorial-Green-Florida

 

Editorial:  Skin deep

Beauty is only skin deep. Under some circumstances the same is true for water.

Published August 7, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120807/OPINION01/120809734

 

Editorial:  Rallying point

Silver Springs was an obvious rallying point for those opposed to the Adena Springs Ranch consumptive-use permit request to pump 13 million gallons of water a day from the aquifer. But turning the Adena Springs debate into the symbol of all that is wrong with Florida's water policies, however, took more than local residents' protests. That required someone, indeed something bigger and more far-reaching.

Published July 31, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120731/OPINION01/120739939/1076/opinion?Title=Editorial-Rallying-point

 

Editorial:  The Silver disaster

The state's top environmental regulator will be in Ocala today to discuss the nitrate pollution that is slowly destroying Silver Springs and the Silver River and how to bring it into check.

Published July 31, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20120731/OPINION01/120739968?p=1&tc=pg

 

Taking a dive:  exploring stressed springs

When we pulled our pontoon boat into the main spring to begin our dive Wednesday, the clarity was compromised. It was hard to see the statues used as props in the 1960's "I Spy" episode "The Seventh Captain" (you can watch it on Hulu). We didn't have much trouble maintaining our position.

Published July 29, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20120729/OPINION/120729721?p=3&tc=pg

 

Editorial:  Will they listen?

Today a contingent from the Florida Conservation Coalition, led by former governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, will deliver more than 13,000 petition signatures to Gov. Rick Scott. The petition calls on the governor to exert his executive powers to begin confronting "the degraded conditions of Florida's imperiled rivers and springs."

Published July 24, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120724/OPINION01/120729869/1017?Title=Editorial-Will-they-listen

 

Troubled springs:  What happens when the magic trickles away?

If you don't look too hard, the submerged limestone vents in Silver Springs seem to be pumping out the same liquid enchantment they have for centuries.

Published July 22, 2012

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-22/news/os-ed-silver-springs-protect-072212-20120720_1_silver-springs-salt-springs-freshwater-springs

 

Editorial: Is anybody listening?

Maybe now they will listen. On Tuesday, a contingent from the Florida Conservation Coalition, led by former governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, will deliver more than 13,000 petitions to Gov. Rick Scott. The petition calls on the governor to exert his executive powers to begin confronting "the degraded conditions of Florida's imperiled rivers and springs."

Published July 22, 2012

http://www.ocala.com/article/20120722/OPINION/120729971

 

Glades vows kept thanks to the courts

Politicians in both parties have resumed rhapsodizing about the magnificence of the Everglades, a phenomenon that occurs every four years with varying degrees of sincerity. Polls show that most Floridians want the Everglades restored and preserved. This requires candidates to show some love. Neither Democrats nor Republicans want to look like obstructionists on this issue in an election year.

Published July 21, 2012
 
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/21/2904890_glades-vows-kept-thanks-to-the.html#storylink=addthis#storylink=cpy

 

Editorial: Listen to High Springs

When High Springs speaks up on behalf of the much-abused Santa Fe River, people ought to listen.

Published July 12, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120712/OPINION01/120719877

 

Editorial: A Florida asset

It is time to put the endangered Silver Springs in public hands. It is there that the springs can be best protected and preserved.

Published July 7, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120707/OPINION01/120709841

Feast or famine

Not enough water or too much water, the Santa Fe is a sick river and has been for years. It is laden with nutrients from agricultural and other sources of pollution.

Published June 30, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120630/OPINION01/120639987

 

Editorial: ‘Surplus' water

Tropical Storm Debby provided a refresher course on the importance of wetlands.

Published June 29, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120629/OPINION01/120629549

 

Editorial: But it ain't over

The downpour of the last few days notwithstanding, there is no indication that the drought is coming to an end.

Published June 26, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120626/OPINION01/120629730

 

Editorial: Salty Cedar Key

It will come as scant comfort to residents of Cedar Key to know that salt water intrusion into coastal drinking water wells is a growing, even inevitable, phenomenon in Florida.

Published June 22, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120622/OPINION01/120629904

 

Editorial: Tarnished jewel

Silver Springs is the crown jewel of Florida's glittering necklace of natural springs. But, increasingly, it is a tarnished jewel.

Published June 20, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120620/OPINION/120619554

 

Lars Andersen: ‘Low tide' on the Santa Fe River

The tragedy is that the attitude of local and state officials ranges from denial to apathy.

Published June 11, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120611/OPINION03/120609657

 

Barbara A. Purdy: Our water is our heritage

Countless artifacts and evidence of our past are endangered when the water table falls.

Published June 6, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120606/OPINION03/120609791

 

John Moran: Requiem for Poe Springs

I remember Poe Springs, clear, vital and free flowing; devoid of the stench of death that hangs in the air tonight. I had no idea that this signature park of Alachua County was in such ill health.

Published June 3, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120603/OPINION/120609888

 

Editorial: Get on with it

After the Santa Fe River ran green with algae, we asked in an editorial "Where's the EPA?" Turns out we aren't the only ones growing impatient.

Published June 3, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120603/OPINION01/120609925

 

Editorial: State of emergency

Florida needs a permanent water ethic that discourages overconsumption.

Published June 1, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120601/OPINION01/120539906

 

Editorial: Where's the EPA?

The appearance of “summer slime,” green algae, on the Santa Fe River last week is a harbinger of things to come.

Published May 29, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120529/OPINION01/120529719

 

Ron Cunningham: Not a prayer

The way things are going, we don't have a prayer of saving our shrinking, nutrient-laden rivers, springs, creeks, lakes and aquifer.

Published May 27, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120527/COLUMNISTS/120529710

 

Editorial: This isn't right

Pictures from the Santa Fe River prove we are a long way from getting the water right.

Published May 26, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120526/OPINION01/120529722

 

Editorial: Santa Fe green

What is happening to the Santa Fe River was absolutely predictable; the result of years of benign neglect and environmental abuse.

Published May 25, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120525/OPINION01/120529773

 

Lucinda Faulkner Merritt: Florida needs a water ethic

The Santa Fe River is turning bright green. Clearly our state officials have not gotten the water right.

Published May 23, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120523/OPINION03/120529902

 

Editorial: Line in the sand

The Adena Spring ranch has all the ingredients of being Florida's next water war.

Published May 23, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120523/OPINION01/120529904

 

Editorial: Florida crumbling

The cause-and-effect relationship between dropping groundwater tables and increased sinkhole occurrence is absolutely clear.

Published May 16, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120516/OPINION01/120519742

 

Steve Lodle: Look who's deciding the future of your water

The Florida aquifer upon which we all depend for clean drinking water, sustaining local agriculture, and preserving our rivers and springs is at a historic low flow level.

Published May 14, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120514/OPINION/120519793

 

Cunningham: Stakeholder

It is no great surprise that the bureaucrats who run the Suwannee and St. Johns River water consumption districts passed over Bob Knight in assembling their newly minted "stakeholder committee."

Published May 13, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120513/COLUMNISTS/120519906

 

Editorial: Water problems

Both our regional water managements have had a rather benign attitude toward conservation.

Published May 10, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120510/OPINION01/120509542

 

Editorial: Attention-getter

What's happening to the region's springs and aquifer is as much a man-made as a natural catastrophe.

Published April 26, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120426/OPINION01/120429728

 

In a word

We still haven't figured out that the springs are "too precious to waste."

Published April 22, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120422/COLUMNISTS/120429947

 

Editorial: In the FLOW

It is not yet clear exactly what FLOW hopes to achieve or how it will go about it.

Published April 7, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120407/OPINION01/120409726

 

Editorial: Flunk this test

Using water from the aquifer to supplement lake levels — even as an experiment — sets a dangerous precedent.

Published March 15, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120315/OPINION01/120319773

 

Editorial: Water promises

Citizen and political activism on behalf of water is more important now than ever before.

Published March 9, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120309/OPINION01/120309646

 

Editorial: Saving water

The threats to this region's water supply are not just external.

Published January 19, 2012

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120119/OPINION01/120119482

 

No parade

Politicians do not get thrown out of office for treating water like dirt. And the water managers follow the politicians’ lead.

Published December 4, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111204/COLUMNISTS/111209881

 

Editorial: The big drain

It's time to bring the question of Florida's water security future out into the open.

Published November 29, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111129/OPINION01/111129566

 

Editorial: Game changer

Florida's Department of Agriculture should work with farmers toward the goal of using less water and recycling the water they are using.

Published November 18, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111118/OPINION01/111119560

 

Editorial: Water security

The evidence that over-pumping in Jacksonville is depleting water resources to the west is convincing.

Published November 15, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111115/OPINION01/111119780

 

Revolution

We don’t talk nearly enough about water in Florida; alternately beset by both floods and drought.

Published November 13, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111113/COLUMNISTS/111119943

 

Editorial: Don't flush the septic tank law

The overwhelming majority of septic tanks in Florida are aging and are neither regularly inspected nor maintained.

Published October 29, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111029/OPINION01/111029537

 

Editorial: Getting serious

It's time for our water managers to get serious about conservation

Published October 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111019/OPINION01/111019523

 

The science

Apparently our local legislative delegation hears the giant sucking sound Jacksonville makes as it drains the Suwannee River region dry. State Rep. Elizabeth Porter, R-Lake City, said at a UF breakfast meeting this week, “our water is shifting...

Published October 16, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111016/COLUMNISTS/111019702

 

Editorial: Politics and water

Since 1998, the EPA has been pressing Florida to adopt new water pollution standards.

Published July 16, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110716/OPINION01/110719739

 

Editorial: Water for power

The Department of Energy needs to release information from a study the relationship between energy and water use.

Published July 3, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110703/OPINION01/110709946

 

Editorial: The public interest

The loss of 50 billion gallons of water a year from the Suwannee region ecosystem is a matter of considerable public interest.

Published June 23, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110623/OPINION01/110629823

 

In our hands

Jose Gonzalez, of Associated Industries of Florida, argued in a widely published opinion piece for “keeping Florida’s water destiny in Florida’s hands.”

Published June 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110619/COLUMNISTS/110619582

 

Editorial: Environmental politics

Florida can't afford healthy springs?

Published June 10, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110610/OPINION01/110609437

 

Editorial: Doctoring the data

Florida's water management districts were created on the expectation that they would make decisions about the state's water resources based on science, not politics.

Published June 8, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110608/OPINION01/110609609

 

Editorial: Water and taxes

It is simply a bad idea for politicians to micro-manage water management policy.

Published May 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110519/OPINION01/110519511

 

Larry Hasey: Florida's springs, rivers are close to crisis

The Sun's editorial of May 8 began: “When Jacksonville takes a drink, White Springs gets thirsty.” What an appropriate metaphor. About a month ago, I had the good fortune to spend several days paddling on the Suwannee River with several...

Published May 10, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110510/OPINION/110519986

 

Editorial: The big drink

Conservation, not increased consumption, is the answer to Jacksonville's water woes.

Published May 8, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110508/OPINION01/110509605

 

Editorial: The wrong fix

Florida doesn't have a sinkhole insurance problem, it has a water problem.

Published April 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110419/OPINION01/110419514

 

Editorial: Water ethic needed

You know things are bad when we need a hurricane to get back to "normal."

Published April 12, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110412/OPINION01/110419927

 

Editorial: Muddy water

Question: What do you get when you mix politics with water? Answer: Muddy water.

Published March 6, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110306/OPINION/110309701

 

John Moran: Do your part to save the Ichetucknee

The traditional lawn, with its intensive consumption of water, is no friend of Florida.

Published February 27, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110227/OPINION03/110229727

 

Editorial: Give and take

By taking away local authority to regulate fertilizer use lawmakers will keep the fertilizer lobby happy. By giving locals the option of inspecting septic tanks they will get angry septic tank owners off their backs.

Published February 24, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110224/OPINION01/110229778

 

Letters to the Editor - Feb. 9, 2011

“Look and see…”Readers comment on sustainable development, Social Security, Florida's water and more.

Published February 9, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110209/OPINION02/110209483

 

Lucinda Faulkner Merritt: What about Florida's water future?

The sooner we start asking the big questions, the closer we may come to saving our springs.

Published January 24, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110124/OPINION03/110119363

 

Editorial: Windows into water

The Legislature has done little to protect Florida's springs, and in Tallahassee the imperative seems to be to fight, not support, measures to protect and preserve our water.

Published January 19, 2011

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110119/OPINION01/110119455

 

Editorial: Down the drain

While the state's sales tax is applied to purchases of soft drinks and other beverages, lobbyists for the bottled-water industry have managed to exclude their product from the six percent tax.

Published December 28, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101228/OPINION01/101229663

 

Raw Florida

This summer, I finally got to see Niagara Falls, and, seriously, it was spectacular.

Published December 26, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101226/COLUMNISTS/101229767

 

Editorial: Green into gold

Here are three things Gov.-elect Rick Scott and the Legislature should invest in to help preserve and grow nature-based tourism in the Sunshine State.

Published December 26, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101226/OPINION01/101229740

 

Editorial: Humidity deficit

The lack of rain this very dry season is starting to show. It's time to start conserving water.

Published December 17, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101217/OPINION01/101219654

 

Lucinda Faulkner Merritt: What about the ‘common good' in regard to water?

Are we collectively going to go on fouling our waters without considering the long-range consequences of our actions?

Published November 16, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101116/OPINION03/101119609

 

Editorial: The politics of delay

The Environmental Protection Agency failed for years to impose federal clean water standards for Florida's lakes, rivers and streams. It ultimately required a lawsuit by environmental groups to get the EPA to accept its responsibility under the...

Published November 16, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101116/OPINION01/101119542

 

Editorial: Can't afford it?

The real question for Floridians is this: How can we not afford clean water?

Published November 14, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101114/OPINION01/101119748

 

Dirt Cheap

I ran across an interesting item this week on 24/7 WallSt, a financial news website: "The 10 biggest American cities that are running out of water."

Published November 7, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101107/COLUMNISTS/101109625

 

Editorial: How dry is it?

Pouring copious amounts of water into the ground makes little sense at the best of times and no sense at all in the middle of a drought.

Published November 6, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101106/OPINION01/101109640

 

Editorial: Don't repeal good law

If Florida does not keep pushing to clean up its groundwater — and that includes fixing hundreds of thousands of faulty septic tanks — it will cost us far more later than we can imagine.

Published November 5, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20101105/OPINION01/101109715

 

Lars Andersen: What Wes Skiles tried to tell us

He devoted his life to sounding the alarm that behind the beautiful facade of the springs, a huge tragedy is unfolding.

Published September 6, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100906/OPINION03/9061001

 

Letters to the Editor - August 25

Readers comment on saving our springs, school uniforms, egg recall, Dove World and more.

Published August 25, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100825/OPINION02/100829742

 

John Moran: We're killing our springs

They are dying a slow death of a thousand straws.

Published March 19, 2010

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100319/OPINION03/3191001

 

Editorial: Wake-up call

It is inexplicable that springs protection is so anathema to lawmakers. Florida needs a substantive, enforceable springs protection policy.

Published December 14, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20081214/OPINION01/812130979

 

Editorial: Wet, dry Florida

What with all the hurricanes and tropical storms playing chicken with our long, skinny peninsula recently — making the normally wet Florida summer feel even soggier — it’s a bit difficult to remember that we were in the grip of a drought not all...

Published September 8, 2008

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080908/OPINION01/809080234

 

Letters to the Editor - Oct. 13

“Let’s avoid water wars..” Readers share their opinions on water issues and the Gators.

Published October 13, 2007

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20071013/OPINION02/710130302

 

Florida Is Slow to See the Need to Save Water

Even as a drought strips many Florida lawns of their lushness, there are few takers for artificial grass.

Published June 19, 2007

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070619/ZNYT02/706190343

 

Hello Barry

Tropical Storm Barry came out of nowhere this weekend to rain on Florida's parade. But nobody really minded. Because it was beginning to feel an awful lot like 1998 around here. You remember the summer of 1998. The year we almost lost Waldo and...

Published June 3, 2007

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070603/COLUMNS16/706030305