Phosphate Strip Mining

Phosphate Strip Mining Coming to a Peace River Near You
By Linda Fudala-Tucker

On Tuesday I was dismayed to find that a state administrative judge's decision opened the doors for a 4,200-acre strip mining operation to go forward on the rim of the watershed of the Peace River - near Horse Creek, to be exact also known as the Ona tract.

The Sarasota Herald Tribune’s front page article called it "a devastating blow to opponents of phosphate mining..." The article continued to note that the judge - Robert E. Meale, "acknowledged that mining causes widespread environmental damage, but he expressed confidence in The Mosaic Company’s ability to fix it."

The judge must have heard the same pitch I did on March 3 in the Community Center Auditorium given by members of the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. The FIPR was created in 1978 to be a "source of scientific facts on phosphate related issues..." The five-member board is appointed by the governor and consists of one member of the state university system,

one regulatory representative, and two phosphate industry representatives.

Reclamation of the land was a big topic at the meeting sponsored by the Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement Association. Slides showing wooded areas created from moonscapelike land created by the strip mining technique, were shown, along with details of how far reclamation technology has come in the last 10 years.

What wasn't talked about much, was what happens when there's a breach in pond walls; ponds that contain highly acidic waste byproducts of the industry. One such disaster did occur in the

Click on picture to enlarge

One of the slides shown during the March 3 presentation of the FIPR. Highly acidic holding ponds are just one element of phosphate mining. Most of the phosphate mined in Florida is shipped overseas with China being a major customer.

1960's and it took the Peace River about a decade to recover. Now there are 100,000 people depending on that river for their drinking water.

Opponents of phosphate mining expansion including the governments of Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota Counties, have spent millions fighting the industry. They say mining will reduce the

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Hooray for the Ladies!

Last Saturday a field of 46 boats each carrying a team of lady anglers and their Captains headed out into Boca Grande Pass in hopes of winning the 15th Annual Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament.

While laughter and good times were plentiful

this sunny Saturday afternoon, it was the call of "fish on’ over the radio that really turned up the excitement.

Over on the Moonraker, Captained by Rich Caccavale, Joyce Anderson was locked in battle with a mighty tarpon. First Mate Teresa Caccavale calmly gave Joyce instructions while teammates Sandy Burkhart, Kim Hoover and Joni Witt jumped around in glee. After about a 20 minute struggle Joyce had managed the first release of the 2005 tournament.

It was not too much later onboard the Savannah, Captained by Steve Futch, that Stephanie Futch released her tarpon. The rules state that in case of a tie, the first fish released wins. Although several anglers had strikes, no more tarpon were released and time ran out on the rest of the field.

Winners for the second consecutive year, the Burkhart Team received $500 and four white & yellow gold bracelets designed by Barbara Anne's Jewelry. Winning Captain Rich Caccavale received $500, a cooler full of beer and $100 from Mark Knauf, PA. In addition to her team prizes, winning angler Joyce Anderson received

a three-day/two night stay at Palm Island Resort from Patsy Bowen, a gold tarpon necklace from Dixie Hollins and will have her name engraved on the Christine Hollins Memorial Award.

For the second tarpon released, Stephanie Futch received a three-day/two night stay at the Palm Island Resort, courtesy of Patsy Bowen.

Friday evening, before fishing, the ladies mingled over cocktails during the Captain’s Party held at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. Saturday night, they could be found dining and dancing at the Boca Bay Power House.

All in all it was another great year of sun, fun and good friends!

Sponsored by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce this popular event carried on the rich tradition of the Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament.

The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to thank the following people for making the 2005 Ladies Day Tournament possible:

All the lady anglers and captains for their participation and enthusiasm.

Gold Sponsors; Boca Beacon, Duffy's Realty Station and Special Effects for Women.

Silver Sponsors; Hendricks & Associates, John R. Curley Custom Homes, David Plumbing,

Caddy Carts, Mastry Engine Center, Boca Grande Real Estate, South Beach Restaurant, Grande Aire Services, Gasparilla Properties and the Landings at Coral Creek.

The Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association for their efforts to preserve our fishery and the Boca Grande Fire Department for their help in transporting Ladies Day gear.

The Ladies Day Committee; Chairman, Patty Seidensticker, Sandy Burkhart, Patsy Bowen, Phyllis Rothman, Margo Grimshaw, Angela Curley, Joan Williams and Monica Clay.

Andy Nagle and the staff of the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club for their great hospitality.

Dale Pedevillano and the staff at the Boca Bay Power House for their equally great hospitality.

The Boca Bande for the fabulous music.

Officials; Head Judge, Dixie Hollins, Ron Gutman, Dan Campo, Stuart Hoeckel, Pat Parks, Martin Goodfriend, Brian Jaeggi and David Campo.

Emcee, Al Williams and Scorekeeper Mike Jaekels. Volunteers; Mary Ann Roelse, Barbara Roelse, Beth Perkins, Cindy Lutz, Julie Keffeler, Brad Hollander and Nancy Jaekels.

All the other individuals and businesses who contributed to the success of Ladies Day.

Thanks one and all!!!