Floridians cast record-setting votes for protecting nature; nearly $350 million approved for local conservation efforts

TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 20, 2024 / The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, and the Live Wildly Foundation, a non-profit working to advance conservation in Florida, congratulate Florida voters for overwhelmingly passing conservation ballot measures on Election Day that will secure nearly $350 million over the next 20 years to protect safe drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand outdoor recreation, promote efficient development and support other actions that conserve local lands and waters.

Conservation measures were on the ballot in Clay, Lake, Osceola and Martin counties. All won with landslide support. The Lake County measure, in fact, passed with an unprecedented 80% of the vote, setting the record for the most votes garnered by a ballot measure in that county's history.1

"It is exciting to see communities across Florida prioritize water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation at the ballot box. We look forward to seeing these four counties implement great land protection projects in the coming years," said Will Abberger, Director of Trust for Public Land's Conservation Finance Program.

Abberger added that TPL worked with communities across the country to approve ballot measures that secured $16 billion for protecting America's lands and waters.

In Florida, the four ballot measures not only directly secure millions of dollars each year in local conservation funding, but they also position the counties to receive additional matching grants at the state and federal levels.

"While political divides have dominated the headlines, these wins demonstrate that conservation has broad support from voters across the political spectrum," said Meredith Budd, Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Live Wildly Foundation which worked with the Trust for Public Land to back the measures. "Floridians understand that healthy lands and waters are the backbone of Florida's thriving communities and economies."

Florida's outdoor recreation industry supports 485,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in state and local tax revenue each year.2 Florida state parks and trails support 50,000 jobs and directly contribute $3.6 billion annually to local economies.3 Florida's healthy lands are home to nearly 50,000 farms and ranches across the state which generate nearly $8 billion a year.4

The four conservation ballot measures passed on Election Day are:

• In Clay County, voters authorized $45 million in bonds that will generate more than $3 million each year over the next 20 years to acquire and manage lands that protect drinking water sources, conserve wildlife habitat, support working forests and farms, reduce flooding, and support outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 73% of the vote.

• Lake County voters approved a $50 million bond that will generate $4 million each year for land acquisition to protect water resources, wildlife corridors, and recreational areas. The measure passed with 80% of the vote.

• Osceola County approved a $70 million bond that will generate $5 million a year to preserve lands from development by acquiring, managing, restoring and improving natural areas for the protection of water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 84% of the vote.

• In Martin County, voters approved a sales tax that will generate an estimated $183 million in conservation funding over ten years. The funds will be used to clean and restore waterways, protect drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand recreational opportunities, support farmers, and enhance ecotourism. The measure passed with 64% of the vote.

1 Historic win for conservation: Lake County Conservation Referendum passes with unprecedented 80% Approval | Clermont Sun | midfloridanewspapers.com
2 OIA_RecEcoState_FL
3 Impact | Florida State Parks Foundation
4 Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics / Agriculture Industry / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Contact Information

Meredith Budd
Director, Strategic Initiatives
meredith@livewildly.com
239-248-4494

Michelle Yepez
Events Producer
michelle@livewildly.com
813-416-6641

Related Images

SOURCE: Live Wildly Foundation