I have a strong commitment to protect Florida’s environment including both the natural habitats, as well as the indigenous species found within those habitats. The Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge covers a large portion of the District, and as your State Representative it will be my responsibility to make sure this national treasure is preserved.
One important issue is the increased incursion of invasive species into the Everglades. Iguanas, giant pythons, and African snails are only a few of the countless types of foreign animal and plant life that has invaded South Florida. These species are purchased by pet stores through the foreign pet trade, and are sold to consumers. Eventually, these animals are released into the wild, either because they have grown too large or too aggressive or because their owners have grown tired of them. Unfortunately, these invasive species have no natural predators in South Florida, and this leads to rapid over population and degradation of indigenous plant and animal life.
Not only do invasive species pose a threat to other native plants and animals, but also to average Floridians. The giant pythons that have been released have been found to grow upwards of 19ft long, and pose a real and serious threat to pets and young children. The giant African snail eats through the stucco in homes and also carries a pathogen that causes meningitis in humans.
As a State, it is our responsibility to allocate resources to local authorities with the goal of eradicating these invasive species. As your State Representative I will introduce legislation that will help provide the funds and manpower necessary to solve this pressing issue. I hope to pay for this legislation through harsher fines for those who purchase, sell, and subsequently release these invasive species through the pet trade. I am of the opinion that if you are found to be the cause of this environmental disaster, then you should bear the responsibility in helping to remedy the situation.
I also believe in making sure that Floridians have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and food that is healthy and safe, especially for our children. I will fight the special interests who in the pursuit of more profits try to roll back environmental regulations that provide these safeguards. I will also work with environmental groups to find areas that still need conservation and fight to put these protections in place.
One important issue is the increased incursion of invasive species into the Everglades. Iguanas, giant pythons, and African snails are only a few of the countless types of foreign animal and plant life that has invaded South Florida. These species are purchased by pet stores through the foreign pet trade, and are sold to consumers. Eventually, these animals are released into the wild, either because they have grown too large or too aggressive or because their owners have grown tired of them. Unfortunately, these invasive species have no natural predators in South Florida, and this leads to rapid over population and degradation of indigenous plant and animal life.
Not only do invasive species pose a threat to other native plants and animals, but also to average Floridians. The giant pythons that have been released have been found to grow upwards of 19ft long, and pose a real and serious threat to pets and young children. The giant African snail eats through the stucco in homes and also carries a pathogen that causes meningitis in humans.
As a State, it is our responsibility to allocate resources to local authorities with the goal of eradicating these invasive species. As your State Representative I will introduce legislation that will help provide the funds and manpower necessary to solve this pressing issue. I hope to pay for this legislation through harsher fines for those who purchase, sell, and subsequently release these invasive species through the pet trade. I am of the opinion that if you are found to be the cause of this environmental disaster, then you should bear the responsibility in helping to remedy the situation.
I also believe in making sure that Floridians have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and food that is healthy and safe, especially for our children. I will fight the special interests who in the pursuit of more profits try to roll back environmental regulations that provide these safeguards. I will also work with environmental groups to find areas that still need conservation and fight to put these protections in place.
