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Editorial: "Eight is Enough" May Be Too Much
June 20th, 2002

Editorial: Cedar Key Plantation: Albatross or Opportunity
June 16th, 2002

Editorial: Hello Cedar Key Plantation, Goodbye Clam Beds
June 14th, 2002

Editorial: All`s Quiet on the Water Front
June 8th, 2002

Editorial: A Cop in Trouble
June 6th, 2002

Editorial: Community Redevelopment Wish Lists
June 3rd, 2002

Editorial: Heath Davis and the Power of Politics
May 19th, 2002

Editorial: Do We Need Another Hero?
May 16th, 2002

Editorial: Support Groups
May 8th, 2002

Editorial: Clarification of Speak Out
May 7th, 2002

Editorial: Introducing Our Editor
April 22nd, 2002


Water, Water, Water

Water, Water, Water

Editorial

Fresh water is essential to life. And, water is essential to the economy of Cedar Key and the State of Florida. Certainly crude oil, NASCAR and X-Boxes are important to many people, but fresh water resources and unpolluted salt water are more important to the people of Florida, and our many visitors.

The rivers and wetlands of Florida need protection for the fish and wildlife that they support. They also feed the underground water resource, the aquifer, from which we all drink. The estuaries and bays need protection from pollution because they are the nurseries for seafood species and sports fish species.

The scenic, sanitary and recreational conditions of Florida's rivers all have economic value. Tourists and tourist's dollars come to Florida because of the fishing and kayaking. Florida's coastal waters draw tourists and produce clams, oysters, crabs and mullet for the tourists and natives to eat. Pollution of coastal waters shuts down shellfish harvest and kills the sea grass beds that are essential to fish production.

Protection of coastal waters and beaches is essential to the tourist industry. Most elected officials, lame ducks excluded, recognize the dangers of offshore drilling, yet pressure from lobbyists and the need for campaign funds can override the public interest.

Sustainable resources are those that will be available to our children and future generations if they are protected from short-term economic gain and corporate greed. Clean water is a sustainable resource that must be protected from tapping the aquifer to the point that springs dry up or dumping pulp mill waste into the Fenholloway River or the Gulf. Oil spills and hurricanes bring economic loss, but we can avoid the threat of oil spills.

When a clear and present danger to our water occurs, let your legislators, regulators and neighbors know that our water resources must be protected.

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