Reflecting on water

Naked Spring at Gilchrist Blue Springs Park by Lesley Gamble

Part of being a Floridian is having a relationship with water. Florida was settled from the outside in – the state's interior was so swampy that the only reliable means of transportation was its waterways:  oceans, rivers, and lakes. To make water traffic more efficient, canals were dug between water bodies to transport goods and and materials. Shallow bays and harbors were dredged and the sand and muck removed in the process became desirable dry land, land that became desirable real estate. The boom was on.

Dredge Welatka - Kissimmee River, Florida, State Archives of Florida

Land boom-era Columbia County advertisement in the Illustrated Daily Tab - Miami, Florida, 1926
State Archives of Florida

In the days before air conditioning, folks were drawn to the water to escape the heat. Springs became sources of recreation, and beachfront communities developed along the coasts. Even before Europeans arrived, the indigenous people had an intimate relations with Florida's water. For countless generations life in Florida has revolved around water, and much of my favorite childhood memories are connected to water. Boat trips on the St. Johns River, fishing on the Ocklawaha, flying off the rope swing at Welaka Springs. Swimming lessons at the neighbors pool, driving to Crescent Beach to watch the sunrise. Lobstering in the Keys, sailing in the gulf. You get the picture.

"Floridians Crossing Over to an Island to take their Pleasure", based on the artwork of Le Moyne.
State Archives of Florida

Learning how to swim in the neighbors' pool

My mother and grandmother at Silver Springs

My relationship with water turned from recreation to advocacy while writing "Finding the Fountain of Youth" when I became aware of the declining state of Florida's springs. I helped promote the petition to get the Florida's Water and Land Legacy initiative on the ballot (now Amendment 1). In my opinion, the lawmakers in Tallahassee cannot be trusted to be adequate caretakers of our sacred waters. Amendment 1 would force them to purchase environmentally sensitive lands and ensure future generations have Healthy water resources to enjoy. Learn more about the amendment here.

As part of the Springs Eternal Project, I have worked hard to create awareness of the state's water issues with my partners artist/professor Lesley Gamble and nature photographer John Moran. John will be in Orlando on Wednesday speaking with FSU professor Diane Roberts. Both John and Diane made headlines this year for similar reasons. In May John's images were removed from the Office of Greenways and Trails website, possibly due to his outspoken criticism of Tallahassee politicians for their inability to pass meaningful springs protection legislation. Diane had a similar experience a month earlier when a speaking engagement in Tallahassee was abruptly cancelled.

As the November election looms near, Florida voters have an opportunity to send a clear signal to state lawmakers that protecting our environment is important.  I'll be speaking at an event called Reflecting Florida: How Agriculture, Art, & Activism Shape Our State this Sunday, October 19th at Orlando's East End Market. My portion of the day-long event will be contributing to a panel with the topic "State of water: Image and Impacts" at 11 am. Other panel discussions include: "Natural State: What Makes Florida Home", "State of Courage: Women as Change-Makers", and "State of Our Plate: Food & Agriculture in Florida." Check this website to see a list of the wonderful presenters scheduled to appear. The day culminates in a reception with Bill Belleville, who will talking about his latest book "The Peace of Blue." Cost is $25 and proceeds go to support Amendment 1.

Our quality of life in the Sunshine State is dependent upon clean water. I invite you to vote for Amendment 1 and attend one of these events to see how you can make a difference in creating a legacy of abundant water.