The Hill: Highlighting rights of nature work in Florida, and protection of waterways-5/4/2021

Orange County, Florida voters approved the Wekiva River and Econlockhatchee River Bill of Rights in the 2020 elections, and now is facing its first enforcement case in the 9th circuit court within the state of Florida. Wilde Cypress Branch, Boggy Branch, Crosby Island Marsh, Lake Hart, Lake Mary Jane, and other water sources filed a complaint against Beachline South Residential LLC, as an act of prevention against pollution and refilling these natural beings.

Chuck O’Neal, who is the plaintiff, shares that, “if the proposed development is allowed to impact the flow of these waters, their pollution, the damage to their ecosystems, and their potential destruction cannot be remedied by monetary damages or other relief” as an explanation for why this legal response is so vital and must be done urgently. The Hill’s Changing America published “Streams and lakes have rights — and they're suing Florida” by Anagha Srikanth interviewed Chuck O’ Neal from Speak Up Wekiva, but reached out to Beachline South Residential LLC without success.

This article is a fantastic update on the progress made in Florida. It confirms the public’s approval of such measures and the commitment of the legal system to fulfil the will of the people.