Position Papers
All documents in this digest represent consensus positions taken by the Coalition to preserve and restore America’s Everglades. Permission to quote and reprint is granted, given that each use credit the Everglades Coalition along with the complete title and date of the work. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like additional information.
2024
2024 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
March 2024 – Letter to Gov. DeSantis Asking to Veto CS/HB 87 Taking of Bears
February 2024 – Letter Supporting Strong Local Government Urban Fertilizer Ordinances
2023
2023 EVCO Legislative Priorities
Letters and Resolutions
November 2023 – Letter Rejecting Miami Wilds Theme Park
September 2023 – Letter for Wetland Protection in BBSEER Project
August 2023 – Resolution Recommending the Strongest Endangered Species Act Regulations to Secure a Future for Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
May 2023 – Letter Asking Governor DeSantis to Veto SB540/HB359 to Protect Investments in Everglades Restoration
May 2023 – Letter to Brooke P. Clark Regarding Proposed Rule Amending Environmental Protection Regulations Pursuant to Revision 2 to NUREG-1437
​April 2023 – Letter Urging Rep. Renner to Support HB175/SB192
April 2023 – Resolution in Support of Establishing a Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area to Expand the National Wildlife Refuge System within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
April 2023 – Resolution in Opposition to Removing the Southeast U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Wood Stork from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Under the Endangered Species Act
March 2023 – Resolution in Support of Increased Funding for National Wildlife Refuge Staffing and Operations Crisis
January 2023 – Resolution Recommending the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Protect All Critical Habitat Necessary to Safeguard the Florida Bonneted Bat from Urban Development and Climate Change
January 2023 – Resolution Urging Federal and State Officials to Increase Protections for West Indian Manatees and Their Habitat
2022
Letters and Resolutions
November 2022 – Veto Request South Dade Logistics Center
May 2022 – Letter to Asking Governor DeSantis to Veto SB 2508
February 2022 – Thank You Letter to President Biden for $1 Billion Investment in Everglades Restoration
2021
​2021 EVCO Legislative Priorities
December 2021 – Funding Request Letter to President Biden
January 2021 – Funding Request Letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris​
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Letters and Resolutions
December 2021 – Resolution Recommending the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Adopt Final Rules to Protect Imperiled Diamondback Terrapins
October 2021 – Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Management EVCO Resolution
August 2021 – Application to Amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) for the South Dade Logistics and Technology District
April 2021 – Draft UEA Study Comments
April 2021 – Restoring America’s Everglades – FY 2022 House Energy and Water Appropriations
April 2021 – Restoring America’s Everglades – FY 2022 House Interior Appropriations
April 2021 – Restoring America’s Everglades – FY 2022 Senate Energy and Water Appropriations
April 2021 – Restoring America’s Everglades – FY 2022 Sentate Interior Appropriations
March 2021 – Resolution Opposing Burnett Oil Company’s Applications to Initiate New Oil Developments in Big Cypress National Preserve
February 2021 – Letter for the Florida Legislature Urging them to Take Action on Plastic Pollution
January 2021 – Resolution Opposing Oil And Gas Exploration And Development In Bahamian Waters
January 2021 – Resolution Encouraging the Florida Public Service Commission to Reform its 30-Year Old Energy Efficiency Goal Setting Economic Screening Practices in Order to Promote Higher Levels of Energy Savings
January 2021 – Resolution Supporting Updated and Protective Statewide Stormwater Standards
2020
2020 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
November 2020 – Everglades Coalition Resolution Supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Proposal to Enhance Regulation of Invasive Reptiles
October 2020 – A Resolution of the Everglades Coalition in Opposition of Expanded Development and Operations at the Homestead Air Reserve Base in Miami-Dade County, Florida
October 2020 – Letter to SFWMD Urging Them to Not Approve Land Use in the Bird Drive Recharge Area (BDRA)
September 2020 – A Resolution of the Everglades Coalition Supporting the Adoption of Strong Urban Fertilizer Ordinances by Local Governments
August 2020 – Comments on USACE Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
July 2020 – Resolution Supporting Inclusion Of A Large Mammal Wildlife Crossing Feature Under U.S. 41 In Conjunction with Installation of Water Conveyance Features for Picayune Strand Restoration Project’s Southwest Protection Feature
July 2020 – Resolution to Urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to Protect Imperiled Diamondback Terrapins from Drowning in Blue Crab Pots
June 2020 – Letter Urging Governor DeSantis to Uphold the Miami-Dade County SR-836 Extension Proposal Ruling
May 2020 – Water Reservation Rules for the Kissimmee River and Chain of Lakes Comment Letter
May 2020 – Letter in Opposition of the Proposal to Add Language to the 2020 Water Resources Development Act that Would Make the “Savings Clause” Found in Section 601(h)(5) of Public Law 106- 541 (WRDA 2000) Applicable to the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule and Direct the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to Use the Lake Regulation Schedule in Place in December 2000 as the Base Condition for such Analysis
May 2020 – Letter Requesting a Public Hearing on Notice of Development of Rulemaking for Chapter 62-640, F.A.C.
May 2020 – Letter Requesting an Extension of Time in Accordance with Section 120.57 of the Florida Statutes, Rule 62-110.106(4) F.A.C. Regarding FPL Draft NPDES Permit Number FL-0001562
April 2020 – Letter to Nikki Fried Asking Her to Stop Pre-harvest Sugar Field Burning in and Around the EAA
April 2020 – Resolution Opposing Onshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Within the Greater Everglades
March 2020 – Opposition Letter to the State’s Proposed Rules to Assume Jurisdiction over the Federal Wetlands Permitting Authority
March 2020 – Request for Postponement of the State 404 Program Public Hearing
February 2020 – COP Draft EIS Comments from the Everglades Coalition
January 2020 – Resolution in Support of Sustainable Fish Populations in Biscayne National Park
January 2020 – Letter of Support for a Strong Urban Fertilizer Ordinance for the City of Miami
January 2020 – Letter of Support for Cayo Costa State Park to become an International Dark Sky Place
2019
2019 EVCO Legislative Priorities
January 2019 – Everglades Rescue Mission
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Letters and Resolutions
November 2019 – Comment Letter Supporting Staff Recommendations for Updates to the CDMP through the Evaluation Appraisal Report Process
October 2019 – Comments Opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Proposal to Revise the Regulations Governing State and Tribal Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Process (Docket # EPA-HQ-OW-2019- 0405)
August 2019 – Biosolids Rule-Making Comment Letter
July 2019 – Thank You Letter to Appropriations Leaders Who Supported Everglades Restoration Funding
July 2019 – Letter Opposing 404 Wetland Degradation Permit Application for 836 Extension Permit Application No. SAJ-2018-01778 (SP-MLC)
April 2019 – WOTUS Comment Letter
April 2019 – MATS Comment Letter
April 2019 – LOSOM Comments
March 2019 – Ban on All Forms of Fracking in Florida Resolution
February 2019 – NPDES Letter
January 2019 – Letter to President Trump Requesting Strong Funding Levels for the Federal Agencies Essential to Restoring America’s Everglades
2018
2018 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
November 2018 – Letter of Support for Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2 Receiving FAST Act Funds
August 2018 – Letter to Trump on the 2020 Budget
August 2018 – Letter to the NRC on the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant Units 3 & 4 Subsequent License Renewal Application
July 2018 – Letter to the SFWMD on the Proposed State Road 836 Extension Application
July 2018 – Resolution in Support of Strong Wilderness Stewardship Management Within Everglades National Park
July 2018 – Resolution Supporting Amendment 9 to Prohibit Oil and Gas Drilling
July 2018 – Resolution Supporting the Authorization of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir/Central Everglades Project Post Authorization Change Report in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act
May 2018 - P 6004 Support Letter
March 2018 – Everglades FY2019 House Interior Request
March 2018 – Everglades FY2019 House Energy and Water Request
March 2018 – Everglades FY2019 Senate Energy and Water Request
March 2018 – Everglades FY2019 Senate Interior Request
February 2018 – Resolution Opposing SB1402 and HB7043
February 2018 – Letter to Army Leadership to Restore America's Everglades
January 2018 – Letter to Governor Scott
January 2018 – Tamiami Trail Modifications Comments Letter
2017
Legislative Priorities
2017 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
November 2017 – Letter to Director Bell Miami-Dade County Planning Division, 2018 Evaluation and Appraisal Report Comments
October 2017 – Letter to Melissa Nasuti, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
August 2017 – Rejection of Deep Injection Well Thank You Letter
August 2017 – Resolution in Support of Advancing Southern Everglades Restoration
August 2017 – Letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross Regarding Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments
August 2017 – Appreciation Letter for Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Recovery Efforts
May 2017 – Resolution of the Everglades Coalition in Support of the Preservation of the Richmond Pine Rockland
May 2017 – Everglades Senate Energy and Water FY18 Written Testimony
March 2017 – FY2018 House Energy Water Request
March 2017 – FY2018 House Interior Request
March 2017 – FY2018 Senate Energy Water Request
March 2017 – FY2018 Senate Interior Request
February 2017 – A Resolution Supporting Legislative Passage of a Statewide Ban on Well Stimulation for the Purposes of Production or Recovery of Oil or Natural Gas in the State of Florida
January 2017 – FY2018 Budget Concerns
2016
Legislative Priorities
2016 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
October 2016 – Resolution Opposing Amendment 1 on Ballot in November
October 2016 – Letter Thanking Big Cypress National Preserve for Becoming the First National Park Service (NPS) Unit East of the Mississippi River to Earn an International Dark Sky Place Designation
August 2016 – Loxahatchee Refuge Support Letter to Chairman O'Keefe
July 2016 – Letter Thanking FWC for Forgoing a Bear Hunt in 2016
June 2016 – Letter to SFWMD and USACE Regarding Immediate Need to Plan Water Storage, Treatment, and Conveyance South of Lake Okeechobee
June 2016 – Resolution Supporting Pro-Solar Amendment 4 on the August 2016 Primary
April 2016 – Resolution in Support of Acquiring Lands and Developing Projects in the EAA to Help Protect the Estuaries, Everglades National Park, and Florida Bay
April 2016 – Resolution in Support of the Protection of Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park from the Impacts of the Turkey Point Cooling Canal System
April 2016 – Letter Urging Palm Beach County to Deny a Proposed Comp Plan Amendment that Would Allow Industrial and Commercial Development Within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA)
February 2016 – Letter to US Congress Committees Requesting Authorization of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CERP) in the Forthcoming Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
January 2016 – Letter to President Obama with FY17 Budget Suggestions for USACE and USDOI
January 2016 – Thank You Letter for FY16 Funding to US House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
January 2016 – Thank You Letter for FY16 Funding to US House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies
2015
2015 EVCO Legislative Priorities
January 2015 – 2025 Vision for the Everglades
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Letters and Resolutions
December 2015 – Resolution Opposing the Extension of SR 7 Adjacent to Grassy Waters Preserve and Pond Cypress Natural Area
November 2015 – Resolution on Ecological Conditions and Restoration Needs of Everglades National Park and the Florida Bay
October 2015 – Letter Urging USACE to Move Forward with PPAs in FY16 for the 4 Everglades Restoration Projects Authorized by WRRDA of 2014
October 2015 – Resolution Urging Removal of Barriers to Solar Power and Supporting the Floridians for Solar Choice Petition
October 2015 – Letter urging US Congress (Florida Delegation) to Reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund
August 2015 – Resolution Opposing Changes to Miami-Dade’s Urban Development Boundary (UDB)
August 2015 – Resolution Recommending Marjory Stoneman Douglas to the National Statuary
August 2015 – Letter Providing Written Testimony in Support of Creating a Marine Reserve in Biscayne National Park
June 2015 – Letter Urging Respect of the May 2015 Clean Water Act Rule by USEPA/USACE
June 2015 – Letter in Support of HR1684 (Foreign Spill Protection Act)
June 2015 – Letter Opposing Air Show Exhibition at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT)
June 2015 – Letter to Congressman Clawson regarding HR2822 (funding)
May 2015 – Thank You Letter to President Obama for Earth Day in Everglades National Park
April 2015 – Letter to MDX in Opposition of the SW Dolphin Expressway/SR 836 expansion
March 2015 – Resolution Funding For Controlling Invasive Exotic Species in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
2014
2014 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
December 2014 – Resolution Supporting EAA Land Acquisition
December 2014 – Letter to Senator Nelson WOTUS
November 2014 – Resolution Urging the DEP to Set Forth a Clear and Deliberate Course Toward Achieving Lake Okeechobee’s Water Quality Goals in the Lake Okeechobee Basin Management Action Plan
November 2014 – Resolution to Support New State Legislation to Improve Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement of Oil Drilling Activities in Florida
October 2014 – Resolution Proposing Sugar Hill Sector Plan in Hendry County
September 2014 – Resolution for Marine Reserve in Biscayne National Park
August 2014 – Letter to Eric Summa Calling for CERP Interagency Manatee Task Force
August 2014 – Resolution to Advance Everglades Projects Authorized in the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act
July 2014 – Letter to Dr. Bochnak Regarding Fisheating Creek Comments
July 2014 – Thank You Letter to Senator Nelson About Water Quality Issues
July 2014 – Letter Thanking Senators and Representatives for Helping Pass WRRDA
April 2014 – CEPP Letter to President
April 2014 – CEPP Letter to USACE Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy
April 2014 – Letter to Attorney General Bondi for Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint Amicus Brief
March 2014 – Resolution for Everglades Curriculum
March 2014 – Letter for FY15 Senate Interior & Environment Appropriations
March 2014 – Letter for FY15 Senate Energy & Water Appropriations
March 2014 – Letter for FY15 House Interior & Environment Appropriations
March 2014 – Letter for FY15 House Energy & Water Appropriations
March 2014 – Resolution for HB 703
March 2014 – Resolution for SB 372
February 2014 – Thank You Letter to Administrator McCarthy for the Clean Water Act
January 2014 – Resolution for Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Space Complex Development
January 2014 – Resolution for Kissimmee River Restoration Project
2013
2013 EVCO Legislative Priorities
Letters and Resolutions
September 2013 – Letter Expressing Gratitude for Everglades Work of Former U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw
August 2013 – Letter to Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin
August 2013 – Letter on Overcoming the Administrative Obstacles of CEPP
August 2013 – Resolution Urging Restored Funding to SFWMD for Everglades Restoration
June 2013 – Letter to the Gulf Ecosystem Restoration Council
June 2013 – Letter About Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands, Phase 1 Rule Making
May 2013 – Letter Supporting EAR Amendments (Miami-Dade)
May 2013 – Resolution Opposing SR-836 Expansion
May 2013 – Letter for Appropriations for Everglades Restoration, Department of Interior (House)
May 2013 – Letter for Appropriations for Everglades Restoration, Department of Interior (Senate)
May 2013 – Letter for Appropriations for Everglades Restoration, United States Army Corp of Engineers (House)
May 2013 – Letter for Appropriations for Everglades Restoration, United States Army Corp of Engineers (Senate)
February 2013 – Letter Regarding the Bridging of Tamiami Trail and Construction of the Caloosahatchee River West Basin Storage Reservoir
January 2013 – Letter for Congressional Priorities for 113th Congress
January 2013 – Resolution Endorsing the Water and Land Conservation Constitutional Amendment
2012
2012 EVCO Legislative Priorities
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Letters and Resolutions
December 2012 – Resolution Supporting Alternative 4 for Central Evergaldes Planning Project
November 2012 – Numeric Nutrients Criteria Letter
October 2012 – Grasshopper Sparrow Resolution
August 2012 – Resolution to Urge the USFWS to Target Recovery of Imperiled Wood Stork Population in the Everglades
August 2012 – Letter for Restoring Florida's Gulf Coast
August 2012 – Resolution Urging the SFWMD Water Supply Plan Updates to Protect Water
January 2012 – Resolution Supporting the Greater Everglades Partnership Initiative
January 2012 – Resolution Urging the Suspension of Consideration of Bird Drive Recharge Area Land Surplus
January 2012 – Resolution Supporting the Central Everglades Planning Project
2011
January 2011 – 2020 Vision for the Everglades
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Letters and Resolutions
August 2011 – Letter to SFWMD Regarding Water Reservations Rulemaking
July 2011 – Resolution Opposing Legislative Attempts to Weaken the Clean Water Act
July 2011 – Resolution Regarding I-75 Interchange
July 2011 – Letter to DEP Regarding Conceptual Framework for Nutrient Standards
June 2011 – Comments on EPA and USACE Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act
May 2011 – Letter to Governor Rick Scott Urging Veto of SB2142, HB7207, CS/CS/HB421, and CS/CS/CS/HB993
May 2011 – Appropriations Letter Senate Energy and Water Committee
May 2011 – Appropriations Letter House Energy and Water Committee
May 2011 – Appropriations Letter Senate Interior Subcommittee
May 2011 – Appropriations Letter House Interior Subcommittee
April 2011 – Letter to U.S. EPA Urging Restoration of the Clean Water Act
April 2011 – Resolution Supporting Base Flows to the Caloosahatchee
April 2011 – Everglades Restoration Works! Creating Jobs, Protecting Water Supply
February 2011 – Resolution Supporting Comprehensive Growth Management in Florida
January 2011 – Resolution for the Adoption of Numeric Nutrient Criteria in Florida
January 2011 – Resolution on 2011 Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan Update
2010
Letters and Resolutions
October 2010 – Resolution on Valuing Ecosystem Services
September 2010 – Resolution Supporting Tamiami Trail Next Steps Project
August 2010 – Letter to the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District Urging Approval of Revised U.S. Sugar Land Acquisition
May 2010 – Resolution Opposing Development of Everglades Corporate Park in Sunrise, Florida
March 2010 – Resolution Supporting Establishment of EPA Numeric Nutrient Standards in Florida Waters
March 2010 – Letter to Chairman James Moran regarding FY11 Interior Appropriations
March 2010 – Letter to SFWMD Governing Board regarding the River of Grass Land Acquisition
March 2010 – Letter to Senator LeMieux Regarding Climate Change Legislation
January 2010 – Resolution Regarding Oil Drilling
January 2010 – Resolution Regarding Florida Forever
2009
Letters and Resolutions
December 2009 – Letter to Congressman Kendrick Meek Regarding Python Importation Into the United States
December 2009 – Letter to Senator Bill Nelson Regarding Python Importation Into the United States
November 2009 – Letter to FDEP Secretary Mike Sole Regarding Proposed Designated Use
November 2009 – Letter to Lowes, Inc. Requesting it Abandon its Appeal to Develop a Store Adjacent to America's Everglades
November 2009 – Letter to SFWMD regarding the CERP C-111 Spreader Canal project
September 2009 – Letter to EPA regarding Lakebelt Mining Permits
September 2009 – Letter to the Florida Delegates About 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
April 2009 – Letter to State Senator J.D. Alexander Regarding Aquatic Preserves Proposed Budget Cuts
April 2009 – Resolution to Oppose FPL's Request for a CDMP Amendment to Allow Mining
February 2009 – Resolution in Support of the Department of Interior Vision and Plan for Successful Everglades Restoration
January 2009 – Resolution on Climate Change and Everglades Restoration
January 2009 – Letter to SFWMD on Environmental Resource Permit Policy for BBCW Footprint
January 2009 – Resolution to Support the Acquisition of U.S. Sugar Lands for Everglades Restoration
2008
Letters and Resolutions
December 2008 – Letter to Corps on the Interim Operating Criteria for the 8.5 Square Mile Area Project
November 2008 – Letter to Senator Nelson on CERP Funding
September 2008 – Letter to DCA Secretary Pelham on the Miami-Dade County Urban Development Boundary
July 2008 – Recommendations for the EAA with U.S. Sugar Purchase
July 2008 – Resolution to Support Expediting Phase 1 of the CERP C-111 Spreader Canal Project
April 2008 – Letter to Representative Cannon on the Department of Community Affairs Budget Cuts
April 2008 – Letter to Palm Beach County Commissioner Addie Greene on Mining in the Everglades Agricultural Area
April 2008 – Letter to Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Statewide Stormwater Treatment Rule
March 2008 – Resolution to Support a Successor Program to Florida Forever
March 2008 – Letter to DCA Secretary Pelham on the EAA as an Area of Critical State Concern
March 2008 – Resolution to Oppose a Landfill Adjacent to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
March 2008 – Resolution to Support Holding the Miami-Dade Urban Development Boundary
March 2008 – Resolution to Support Florida Forever Successor Program
January 2008 – Resolution to Support the Blue Shanty Option for Tamiami Trail
2007
Letters and Resolutions
October 2007 – Resolution to Support Denial of FPL's Zoning Permit Application for Turkey Point Expansion
October 2007 – Letter to Miami-Dade County Commission on Turkey Point Nuclear Plant Expansion
June 2007 – Letter to Governor Crist on the Broward County Water Preserve Areas
January 2007 – Resolution to Oppose Coal-Fired Power Plants Within the Historic Everglades
January 2007 – Resolution to Address the Florida Bay Algae Bloom
2006
No documents available
2005
Letters and Resolutions
January 2005 – Recommendations for EAA Sustainability and Aquifer Storage and Recovery
2004
Letters and Resolutions
September 2004 – Letter to Miami-Dade Mayor Penelas on Veto of Rock Mining Ordinance
July 2004 – Press Release on Land Use Moratorium for EAA
July 2004 – Letter to State Officials Regarding Land Use Moratorium in EAA
July 2004 – Resolution on Land Use Moratorium for EAA
July 2004 – Resolution Opposing the Scripps Institute Proposed Mecca Farms Site
May 2004 – Letter to Miami-Dade County Commissioners Requesting Denial of Rockmining Ordinance Changes