Not in my backyard!

By: Melanie Brooks

Duette, Florida – Driving down Highway 64 in Manatee County the only thing you'll see moving is the occasional tortoise shuffling down the road or cattle staring curiously at cars flying by.

It is prime, pristine property that Mosaic Mining says is perfect for development. Phosphate mining to be exact.

Residents are alarmed at the looming possibility of mining on these 2,000 acres of farmland.

“We are attacking the destruction of our natural resources.” Cris Costello called out to a crowd of 50 people at Bradenton Library Thursday night.

An organic fish farmer, John Corvick, seconded Costello's comments at the rally. “What about the people on the other side of the fence that breathes the crap 24-7, indoors and out?”

75 percent of all farmers in the U.S. depend on Florida phosphate, which makes this land a huge money maker. But, it is money that makes residents sick to see spent.

“My farm in the Northeast corner of Manatee County is not worth dirt. I couldn't sell my farm for what I bought it for. I have a phosphate mine in my backyard and radioactive water, it's a joke,” Corvick said.

Mosaic representatives spoke with us at length about the project, one that they claim to have gone through extensive channels to achieve properly.

Mosaic assistant Vice-President of Public Affairs, David Townsend, says, “They [residents] don't like phosphate mining. They don't want to see it in Florida. God and nature placed more phosphate here than anywhere else.”

Residents say, therein lies the problem. They don't want to see Mosaic making a killing, while making a living.

Mosaic says the company has the green-light for the project from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

But, don't be surprised if you see residents walking around Manatee County with signs protesting the project. They say they'll do anything to stop it.

County commissioners were invited to the rally, but declined to attend. They will vote on the issue June 3^rd at 1:30 in Manatee County.