The additional coalition members represent a diverse cross section of Floridians concerned
about equitable spending of state conservation dollars and the negative impacts of SB 10.
Stand Up for North Florida announced today the addition of 16 leadership committee members from around the state who are 
joining the group, which was formed last year to focus on the water and conservation needs of North and North central Florida. The coalition has voiced concern over Senate President Joe Negron’s plan to use farmland in south Florida to build a multi-billion dollar reservoir project to address Lake Okeechobee’s water filtration needs.
“Today, the Florida Senate continued to show that they are prioritizing South Florida’s needs over those of the rest of the state,” said former Congressman Steve Southerland, the coalition’s chair. “SB 10, as amended, will still bond $1.5 billion dollars, creating huge debt, and establishing a project that could cost mulitple billions of dollars. This project will undoubtedly jeopardize funding for conservation projects for not only North Florida, but all of the state’s important water issues.”
Southerland continued, “Our coalition’s message is resonating with people around the state, not just in north Florida. Obviously, we originally formed to protect our own area of the state, but these new coalition members, a cross section of men and women from all over Florida, recognize that President Negron’s plan won’t solve the problem and will have a detrimental impact on the state as a whole. We look forward to working with them as we continue to highlight this issue and work toward a solution that is effective and fair to all Florida taxpayers.”
The new coalition members include:
- Charlotte Barber, Tallahassee, retired teacher
- Tom Barnette, Brooksville, President of Euro-American Tours
- Nina Beezer, Lutz, retail manager
- Kathryn Cimato, Ft. Myers, small business owner
- Leslie Dougher, Clay County, Republican State Committeewoman and former Republican Party of Florida Chairman
- Karen Dove, Palm Bay, community activist
- Mara Frazier, Panama City, banker
- Ellie Kramer, Palm Harbor, community activist
- Kaye Miller, Leesburg, retired teacher and grassroots organizer
- Margie Patchett, Port Orange, co-founder of Volusia Tax Reform and local public opinion leader
- Charity Pearrow, Ft. Lauderdale, small business owner
- Jeb Smith, St. Johns County Commissioner
- Jimmie T. Smith, Citrus County Commissioner
- Leslie Steele, Midway, media production
- Wanda Range, Midway, Midway City Councilwoman
- Ysryl Yrsyl, Jacksonville, President of the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce
