Save Rural Seminole

Great job by Nassau County!

We’re not aware of any present proposals in Seminole County, but the developer behind the proposed Rivercross monstrosity was recently on the news talking about the wonderful benefits of inviting data centers into your backyard.

Given how catastrophic these data centers are, a moratorium locally is worth considering.

Nassau County approves data center moratorium Nassau County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium Monday night on accepting, reviewing or approving applications tied to data center facilities — giving the county time to study potential impacts before deciding how to handle future projects.

BURN BAN REINSTATED: Although the burn ban was lifted last week, Seminole County's drought index has once again met the criteria established under County Code, automatically reinstating the burn ban.

Under Seminole County Code Section 85.24, Burn Bans are automatically enacted when the drought index, known as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), reaches or exceeds 500.

The burn ban will remain in effect until the drought index stays below 500 for seven consecutive days or until further notice. Residents are urged to use caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire and to remain alert for changing conditions.

For more information, visit www.seminolecountyfl.gov/wildfires

Our Rural Boundary Town Hall originally scheduled for May 15th has been rescheduled.

Due to a medical emergency involving our lead speaker, and to ensure several legislators are back from special session and able to participate, we’ve made the decision to postpone the event to a later date.

🌱 Please still register to stay on the email list and be the first to hear the new date and updates:
https://forms.gle/kZ4tj7UNwTNSTxB6A

This conversation is too important to miss. Together with Defending Rural Florida, Save Rural Seminole, Save Split Oak, and Bear Warriors United, we’ll still be coming together to discuss threats to our rural boundary, review legislation from this past session, and organize to protect our communities for generations to come.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date.

New hiking trails in east Orange County!

Complete the e-mails to our State Legislators.

Florida's regular legislative session has ended — but lawmakers still haven't finalized a state budget. That means there's still time to speak up for Florida Forever.
Here's where things stand:
🏛️ The House proposed $0 for the program
🏛️ The Senate proposed $50 million — but restricted entirely to conservation easements
Take action: https://takeaction.io/1000fof/urge-lawmakers-to-fully-fund-florida-forever/

None of these come close to the Legislature's own 2023 commitment of at least $100 million a year.
Why does the easements-only restriction matter? Because Florida Forever is the only major state program that both protects high-priority natural lands AND expands public access through new state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. Often, the land most at risk of development belongs to sellers who want to sell — not retain ownership under an easement. Without the option to purchase outright, valuable and vulnerable land will be lost forever.

Public support couldn't be clearer: 81% of Floridians back funding Florida Forever at $100 million or more, and in 2014, 75% of voters approved a constitutional amendment dedicating billions to land and water conservation.

Budget conferees are working right now to reconcile the two chambers' proposals. Your voice matters. Take a moment to urge them to fully fund Florida Forever before a final deal is struck.
Take action: https://takeaction.io/1000fof/urge-lawmakers-to-fully-fund-florida-forever/

Florida Forever is in danger of being defunded. It is simply gross that the legislature won’t honor the direction citizens gave them to fund Florida Forever.

In 2014 citizens passed a constitutional amendment requiring that 1/3 of doc stamp revenue be used to fund land acquisition.

In 2023 the legislature made a promise that they would always fund Florida Forever at a minimum level of $100M.

Overwhelming percentages of voters support this. A 2026 poll by Mason-Dixon showed 81% of Floridians wanted the budget to include at least this $100M. That’s 83% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans!

Does the legislature honor that? No, of course not. They think they know better than us.

The Senate budget includes only $35M in new funds for Florida Forever and the House budget includes $0.

This is unacceptable.

There is a link in the comments for an e-mail through @1000 Friends of Florida to our Senators and Representatives. Please contact and tell them to honor the will of the citizens and fund Forever.

Bear Warriors United
Save Orange County
Defending Rural Florida
Black Hammock Association
Tangerine, Florida
Geneva Citizens Association
The Village of Geneva, FL