Broward County Leading the State in Electric Transportation

15 Zero-Emission Buses to Run in 2019

Sierra Club volunteers meet in Broward County to support zero-emission buses. 

On Tuesday, June 12, Broward County Commissioners unanimously voted to purchase five zero-emission buses and to issue a Request for Proposal to purchase an additional ten buses in the future. Wearing “Z.E.B.” stickers in support of “zero-emission buses,” ten Sierra Club volunteers attended the County Commission meeting to support Broward County’s consideration of the new, zero-emission, electric buses. Three Sierra Club supporters in attendance spoke on behalf of the group to thank County Commissioners for considering the purchase. 

Sierra Club supporter Michelle Clawson
thanks Broward County Commissioners

When all 15 buses are deployed, Broward County is projected to have more zero-emission electric buses in operation than any other transportation agency in Florida. Given that the buses have no tailpipe and are very quiet on the road, Sierra Club supporters told Broward County Commissioners that residents will “see and appreciate” these buses but not “smell or hear” them. 

Zero-emission buses are clean, quiet and save taxpayer dollars. Each bus will also eliminate 1,690 tons of carbon dioxide, 10 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 350 pounds of diesel particulate matter over a 12 year period, ultimately reducing the air pollutants that cause or worsen diseases like asthma and cancer. Furthermore, as Sierra Club volunteer Michelle Clawson told the Broward County Commission, a single electric bus can “save between $150,000 to $200,000 dollars in fuel costs alone.” 

Broward County Transportation Department is now looking to further their leadership by charging these buses with the help of a solar energy system. Department leadership hopes to install advanced solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of the Copans Road maintenance facility in the City of Pompano Beach that will support the charging for their electric buses and significantly lower the amount of energy consumed at the facility. Sierra Club has offered a letter of support as Broward County seeks grant funding for additional zero-emission buses as well as the installation of solar photovoltaic panels.

Investing in zero-emissions vehicles represents an opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality and save taxpayer dollars. Sierra Club applauds the Broward County Transportation Department for their leadership and looks forward to seeing these buses on the road!

Now, the region will look to Miami-Dade, a county that issued an ambitious Request for Proposals more than two years ago for up to 75 zero-emission buses. If all 75 buses were purchased, it would represent the largest investment in electric buses on the East Coast. As the Miami-Dade County request has gone unfulfilled for years, residents are left to wonder; will they ever see the zero-emission buses they were promised? Or will Broward County remain the only true clean transit leader in South Florida?

Despite Trump, Broward officials are still in and committed to clean renewable energy

Broward Co Vice-Mayor Beam Furr addressing the crowd.
Credit: Victoria Olson.

On November 17, Sierra Club along with partners and volunteers, held a press conference along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to send a message to world leaders in Bonn, Germany that Broward leaders are #Stillin, committed to local climate action and a just and equitable clean renewable energy future. Speakers included federal, state, county and local elected officials, as well as partners and community leaders engaged in addressing climate change and building a resilient, sustainable and equitable clean renewable energy future. Over 35 people attended the mid-day press event, which was held alongside a river that already swells up and floods streets, parks and communities as a result of sea level rise.

Sierra Club organizers involved included: Diana Umpierre, Jon Ullman and Patrick Ferguson. Our partners included The New Florida Majority, Organizing for Action, For Our Future, US Climate Action Network, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Food & Water Watch and Citizens Climate Lobby Broward Chapter.

Coverage:

Sierra Club Florida Facebook live:

https://www.facebook.com/sierraclubfl/videos/1596710260351757

WIOD 610 AM radio interviewed Sierra Club’s Diana Umpierre on the day before the press conference and covered the event live online:

https://www.facebook.com/610WIOD/videos/10155890923104621

WLRN 91.3 FM Public Radio broadcasted information about the event in its morning drive time news.

Speakers

- Opening Remarks: Diana Umpierre, Organizing Representative, Sierra Club

- US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

- FL Senator Gary Farmer (D-34)

- Broward County Vice Mayor Beam Furr

- Nancy Metayer, Climate Justice Organizer, The New Florida Majority

- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Vice Mayor Mark Brown

- Theresa Brier, Broward Director for US Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22)

- Daniel Mulieri, Community Outreach Representative for US Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20)

- George Cavros, FL Energy Policy Attorney, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

- Alex Easdale, SE Climate & Energy Network Coordinator for US Climate Action Network

Sierra Club’s Opening Remarks
By Diana Umpierre, Organizing Representative, Sierra Club

Today, in Germany, nations of the world wrapped up their talks at COP23, the UN Climate Change Conference, where they met to advance the goals of the Paris climate agreement. Sadly, last June, President Trump announced the US would withdraw from this historic Agreement. This decision does not represent the will of the majority of Americans, and certainly NOT from South Florida. Many government and business leaders across the United States are reaffirming their commitments to 100% clean, renewable energy. A few days ago, the Sierra Club's Ready For 100 Campaign released a report that showcases 10 of nearly 50 US cities that have made ambitious commitments, which include Orlando, St Pete and Sarasota. Additionally, about 170 mayors across the country signed a pledge called Mayors for 100% Clean Energy. Broward Co mayors have made more pledges that any other county in the US.  We can’t afford to wait to act on climate. Extreme weather events like Irma and Maria that devastated Puerto Rico, where I grew up, are reminders that is more important than ever to act and to end our dependence on fossil fuels. Just yesterday, we heard of oil spilled from the Keystone pipeline. Closer to home, we are facing the threat of oil drilling in Broward Everglades. So, We are Still In, because we have the right to a clean sustainable environment. And, we do this work, not alone, but in partnership with many others, including local leaders like those present today.

Quotes from Speakers

US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23):  “We simply don’t have the option of denying climate change any longer, we deal with these realities every day... Importantly, the failure to address climate change virtually ensures that other countries leapfrog the US in creating clean energy and green jobs, which are the future of the world’s energy economy... The US simply cannot compete in a 21st century global economy by clinging to 20th century energy policy… There’s a reason the business community and labors unions came together to strongly urge the President to remain a part of the agreement. Renewable energy is a massive job creator… If President Trump won’t lead from the top, then America and Americans will lead from the bottom up and make sure we can make improvements so we can arrest global warming and climate change.”

FL Senator Gary Farmer (D-34):  “This is really an issue that is non debatable… 70% of Americans support our involvement in the Paris climate accord and recognize the environmental and business threats caused by rising sea levels and climate change in general.. FL has more private property at risk than any other state in our country… from a purely economic point of view, climate change is a huge threat to the State of FL more so than probably any other state in the country, which leads us to scratch our heads and wonder why our Governor.. [has] turned a blind eye to this issue… We must get America back on the right track and we must reject President Trump’s overtures to forget about climate change. This is our country, this is our state, this is our community and it’s up to us to fight to protect it.”

Broward County Vice Mayor Beam Furr:  “We’ve been in; we are still in and we’re going to stay in...This week, Broward County voted to sign the Under2 MOU… We have an audit going on right now on every single public building to find out how much energy is being used, .. when that audit is complete, we will be looking at the recommendations to see how to keep [greenhouse emissions] under 2 [annual tons per capita]... In addition.. I want everyone to know that we are opposing [oil drilling in Broward] entirely, from every level possible.”

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Vice Mayor Mark Brown:  “When you represent a small coastal community, ...it’s really hard to wrap your head around big scientific concepts like sea level rise and global climate change, but we are just not sitting back and waiting for the inevitable to happen. Five years ago we launched a major coastal resiliency program.. Since that time, we have planted over 65,000 sea oats on the beach.. and 2500 endangered staghorn corals just offshore... These programs are working. Unlike other communities, we suffered no beach erosion or flooding from Hurricane Irma and we were just awarded the 2017 Environmental Stewardship award by the Florida League of Cities for our leadership in developing the coastal resiliency program.There’s a reason why my town is called Lauderdale by the Sea and not Lauderdale in the Sea, that’s the beach… and we’re doing everything we can to stay that way.”

Nancy Metayer, Climate Justice Organizer, The New Florida Majority:  “We are all vulnerable but some communities are more than others. Marginalized communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are faced with the most burden and are able to adapt less. Therefore, I ask our government and local officials to provide equity in emergency response, because [these communities] are the last to get power turned on… exposing them to oppressive heat and life-threatening conditions.. are last to get debris cleaned up leaving them trapped in their homes post-storm… I ask our government to act on climate and to invest in climate resiliency to protect the most vulnerable.. to move towards 100% renewable energy and increase funding to weatherization programs to reduce energy costs for low-income communities and prepare them for solar.”

Theresa Brier, on behalf of US Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22):  “We see the impacts of rising sea levels flooding neighborhood streets and businesses on sunny days. Rising oceans are pushing salt water into the Everglades and freshwater canals, threatening the source of drinking water for millions of South Floridians.. These impacts are being felt around the world. Combating climate change requires a global effort… It is more critical than ever that we move toward a future of clean, renewable energy.. The time to act is now.”

Daniel Mulieri, on behalf of US Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20):  “Climate change is real and we are facing the effects today… That is why, regardless of the lack of leadership from the White House on this critical issue, we must stand together to take strong concrete steps to combat climate change.  President Trump may have isolated the US by making our great nation the only in the world not to participate in the Paris climate agreement but with the response by cities, states and business to step up and do their part, I’m optimistic that we can turn the tide.”

George Cavros, FL Energy Policy Attorney, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy:  “Here are some good news, we have some cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis and I’ll give you an example: it now costs less to generate electricity from solar power than it does from coal, from nuclear and even natural gas. The same holds true for wind. So we are really close to that clean energy future… but we need leadership at the national level to accelerate that move to clean energy so we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, we need leadership at the international to coordinate with other countries... Look, we are Americans. Americans lead. That’s what we do. We shouldn’t be sitting in the sidelines.”

Alex Easdale, SE Climate & Energy Network Coordinator for US Climate Action Network:  “Local action is the perfect antidote to federal inaction or in this case, federal opposition…. 227 cities, 9 states, over 1600 businesses, over 300 universities and a million people are still in, so we are the right side of history here… We’ve had mayors from places like Abita Springs, LA and Charleston, SC.. heavily conservative republican areas where the mayors and city councils committed to 100% renewable energy… So, this is not a partisan issue, climate change is a security issue. And it’s not about us anymore, it’s about our kids and future generations.”

Photos

Sierra Club Organizer Diana Umpierre introducing the speakers. Credit: Tara Chadwick.

Speakers and attendees posing for a photo after the press event. Credit: Jon Ullman.

Speakers and attendees posing for a photo after the press event. Credit: Susan Caruso.

Orlando Becomes Largest Florida City To Commit To 100% Clean and Renewable Energy

ORLANDO - The Orlando City Commission today unanimously approved a resolution establishing a goal to move Orlando to 100 percent clean and renewable energy by 2050. Orlando is now the largest city in Florida to make such a commitment and joins a growing movement of more than three dozen cities nationwide that have committed to a 100 percent clean energy future.

Council chambers were filled with elated members of the First 50 Coalition, a broad-based alliance led by the League of Women Voters of Orange County, which is pushing for sustainability in Central Florida.

“Today, Orlando takes its place on the regional, state and national stage as a forward-thinking city committed to a healthier, sustainable future,” said LWVOC Co-President Carol Davis. “This is a first, important step, and we plan to continue to support and encourage the City to follow with concrete measures that solidify this commitment.”

Orlando represents the 40^th city in the United States to commit to move to 100 percent clean and renewable energy. Mayor Buddy Dyer has already championed multiple green energy initiatives, including signing the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, in the past few months. In June, Mayor Dyer signed onto the Sierra Club’s Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign and endorsed a vision of powering all of Orlando with 100 percent clean energy. Other Florida cities that have committed to transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy include St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

The local NAACP branch, a key member of the First 50 Coalition, praised the City Commission’s vote. “We stand in support with the Orlando City Commission, in realizing the importance of renewable energy to its residents, by taking the necessary actions to begin the transformation,” said Beverlye Colson Neal, president of the NAACP’s local branch. “We look forward to working with the City to educate the residents of the importance and advantages of renewable energy as we move into the future.”

Sara Isaac, LWVOC’s Director of Partnerships, agreed. “We applaud the City of Orlando for looking ahead to the future and seeing that a better tomorrow is possible if we take bold action today,” Isaac said. “Orlando is a young city that is just now beginning to fully realize its possibilities. This action showcases Orlando as a potential powerhouse player on the national stage.”

Commissioners Regina Hill and Samuel Ings 
listen as Sierra Club Central Florida Group leader 
Marge Holt explains how 100% Clean Energy 
for All will benefit the entire Orlando community. 

In a letter sent to commissioners urging their support, First 50 acknowledged that Orlando has already taken significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, praising in particular Green Works Orlando and Smart ORL, which boosted Orlando down a path of clean-energy and sustainability.

Orlando’s vote was applauded by Phil Compton, Senior Organizing Representative with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign in Florida, and a member of the First 50 Coalition.

“All across our state and our nation, cities are committing to a future powered by 100 percent clean and renewable energy for all,” Compton said. “Today, Orlando joins this growing movement of cities that are ready for 100 percent clean, renewable energy."

First 50, which includes civic, environmental, industry and faith-based organizations, believes Orlando’s progress toward sustainability will encourage other communities to follow suit. The Coalition includes the League of Women Voters of Orange County, IDEAS For Us, Organize Florida, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, FL SUN, Sierra Club’s Ready for 100, Central Florida Sierra Club, ESA Renewables, Orange Audubon Society, Climate Reality Orlando Chapter, Florida Citizens for Science, Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Florida Renewable Energy Association, Citizens' Climate Lobby - Orlando, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Media Coverage of Tuesday's historic action has been extensive. 

Orlando Sentinel: Orlando sets 2050 goal for completely renewable power

Orlando Becomes 40th City to Commit to 100% Renewable Energy

ORLANDO VOTES TO EXPAND RENEWABLE ENERGY USE GOAL

Orlando Votes Yes On 100% Renewable Energy

Orlando makes ambitious low-carbon pledge

Orlando commits to 100 percent renewable energy citywide by 2050

Orlando Becomes Latest U.S. City To Establish 100% Renewables Goal

Orlando Commits to Using 100 Percent Renewable Energy

Another U.S. City Has Pledged to Transition Completely to Renewables by 2050

Orlando becomes 40th US city to pledge 100% renewable energy

Orlando opts for clean energy future

Orlando Latest City to Go 100% Renewables, But Are Resources Backing Up Words?

Biggest city in Florida, Orlando, commits to 100% renewables


Video of speakers @ council meeting for 100% clean energy - there was no one opposed!

Phil Compton, Senior Organizing Representative

Sierra Club's FL Healthy Air & Ready for 100 Campaigns

1990 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712

(o) 727-824-8813, ext. 303      (c) 813-841-3601 

phil.compton@sierraclub.org   

U.S. Mayors Embrace Clean Energy at Miami Beach Conference

Mayors L-R: Henry (Dayton Beach, FL), Benjamin
(Columbia, SC), Kriseman (St.Pete, FL),
Biskupski (Salt Lake City, UT)

The U.S. Conference of Mayors approved a historic resolution that establishes support from the nation’s mayors for the goal of moving to 100% clean and renewable energy in cities nationwide. Meeting June 23-26 in Miami Beach, the Conference hosted leaders from more than 250 cities.

The weekend kicked off with Sierra Club’s “Sunrise for Solar,” a human aerial art image on the beach behind the conference hotel, which aimed at encouraging the U.S. Conference of Mayors to adopt the resolution. The bipartisan group of mayors unanimously backed the commitment for U.S. cities to run entirely on renewable sources such as wind and solar in two decades.

The Sierra Club’s new Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign was launched nationally this spring and is co-chaired by Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. Jodie Van Horn, national Sierra Club organizer of the Ready for 100 campaign, attended the conference, and met with a group of Sierra Club leaders from across the state.

Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine and Sierra Club
Ready for 100 Campaign Director Jodie Van Horn 

So far, 36 cities across the United States have now committed to transition to 100% renewable energy, and 129 mayors have signed onto this vision.

“Cities don't need to wait for Washington, D.C. to act in order to move the ball forward on clean energy,”  said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune.

Sierra Club’s Emily Gorman worked tirelessly, along with a core team of volunteers, to pull off the early-morning aerial art on the beach.  It required renowned aerial artist John Quigley to create the design to scale and organize over 100 volunteers to form the letters in the sand with the aid of beach chairs and umbrellas. The image was broadcast nationally on news outlets and social media.

Past measures at the U.S. Conference of Mayors have been instrumental in setting standards and providing resources to cities, says Gorman. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, for example, was the result of efforts at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. For the first time in U.S. history, the EECBG program made it possible for cities, counties and states to receive grants specifically to fund energy-efficiency projects.

Shifting from dirty fossil fuels to clean sources of energy like wind and solar strengthens communities by spurring economic growth, addressing climate change, and reducing pollution, says Gorman. “These leaders recognize the importance of lower energy costs, improved public health, and stable, local jobs in protecting the physical and financial well-being of their residents.”

Sierra Club Florida  has the support of many other environmental groups and community organizations across the state involved in the Ready for 100 clean energy campaign.

Congratulations to these Florida mayors for joining the Ready for 100% Clean Energy campaign:

Rick Kriseman-St. Petersburg
Willie Shaw-Sarasota
Phillip Levine - Miami Beach
Jeri Muoio - West Palm Beach
Richard Kaplan  - Lauderhill
Phil Stoddard - South Miami
Eugene Flinn - Palmetto Bay
Daniel Dietch - Surfside
John Adornato - Oakland Park
Harry Dressler - Tamarac
Buddy Dyer - Orlando
Michael Ryan - Sunrise
Greg Ross - Cooper City
Lamar Fisher - Pompano Beach
Judy Paul - Town of Davie
Cary Glickstein - Delray Beach
Derrick Henry - Daytona Beach
Gary Resnick - Wilton Manors

To learn more about Ready for 100, contact Phil Compton at Phil.compton@sierraclub.org

Orlando Commits to Goal of 100% Clean Energy for All

Mayor Buddy Dyer yesterday issued a new proclamation endorsing a goal of powering Orlando, Florida entirely with clean and renewable energy by 2050. Mayor Dyer joins a growing coalition of Mayors for 100% Clean Energy who have similarly announced support for a goal of powering their communities with 100 percent renewable energy such as wind and solar as the community also transitions to zero emission electric transportation and safer pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Watch as Mayor Dyer signs Sierra Club's pledge and learn about Mayor Dyer's significant accomplishments to date to transform his city in this direction. 

Dyer becomes the 63rd U.S. mayor and 8^th Florida mayor to take Sierra Club’s pledge to commit his city to the goal of the complete elimination of all fossil fuel consumption. These mayors will gather at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami Beach on June 23 to affirm their commitment. 

Mayor Dyer joins these Florida mayors who have previously taken such action on behalf of their cities:

1. Mayor Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg
2. Mayor Cary Glickstein, Delray Beach
3. Mayor Philip K. Stoddard, South Miami
4. Mayor Eugene Flinn, Palmetto Bay
5. Mayor Philip Levine, Miami Beach
6. Mayor Derrick Henry, Daytona Beach
7. Mayor Judy Paul, Town of Davie

Here’s the text of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy pledge that Mayor Dyer endorsed today:

I believe that a transition to 100 percent clean energy is good for my community: It will make us stronger, healthier, and more resilient; it will create jobs and new business opportunities; and it will allow us to become a more equitable society where everyone has opportunity in a thriving local economy. 

Nearly 200 nations have agreed, for the first time in history, that the world must achieve 100 percent renewable energy by the end of this century. In the United States, action by local government is already a significant driver of renewable energy growth because cities know firsthand that steps to reduce carbon emissions, clean the air, strengthen the economy, and improve lives. 

Positive, bipartisan, community-driven solutions are possible and already happening in our community. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to transition away from dirty energy and implement local, affordable solutions like energy efficiency, solar, wind, and pollution-free electric transportation.

Phil Compton, Senior Organizing Representative

Sierra Club's FL Healthy Air & Ready for 100 Campaigns

1990 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712

(o) 727-824-8813, ext. 303      (c) 813-841-3601  phil.compton@sierraclub.org   

Mayor Philip Levine Endorses Goal Of 100% Clean Energy on Miami Beach

Mayor Philip Levine displays proclamation with Ready for 100 activists.

Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine issued a proclamation last Wednesday supporting an aim to power the densely-populated barrier island entirely with clean and renewable energy. Miami Beach, known for its wide beaches and pastel-colored art-deco hotels, is one of the cities most-threatened by climate change's rising seas.

Supporting the measure at City Hall were 12 Sierra Club Miami Group members, and representatives of allies Miami Surfrider and 350 South Florida who held signs that read "Clean Energy For All." The Mayor also proclaimed Wednesday, May 17, "Sierra Club Day."

Tens of thousands join Hands Across the Sand
on Miami Beach against fossil fuels in 2010

Emily Gorman, representing the Sierra Club, thanked the Mayor and Commission and said clean energy presents an opportunity "not just for our pocketbooks, but for our communities and our economies."

City staffers shared plans to update their Climate Action Plan, and Vice-Mayor Kristen Rosen Gonzalez introduced a measure to commit the city's municipal buildings to 100% clean and renewable energy supply by 2025. In addition, all City Commissioners voiced their support for Sierra Club and its Ready for 100 campaign to shift cities to 100 percent clean and renewable energy.

“As mayor of Miami Beach, I am proud to support a vision of 100 percent clean energy for my community.  Our vibrant, historic city will be a model for other communities around the world on the importance of addressing the threat of climate change. We have already taken steps to expand renewable energy and we will continue to improve our infrastructure and innovate clean energy solutions for a stronger Miami Beach,” said Mayor Levine. 

Mayor Levine is a national co-chair of the new Mayors for 100% Clean Energy, a new effort to engage and recruit mayors to endorse a goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in cities across the country.

“Cities can help lead the transition away from dirty fuels to renewable energy, but it will require boldness and ambition to get it done," said Frank Jackalone, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director. "The Sierra Club applauds Mayor Levine for supporting a vision of powering Miami Beach with 100 percent clean, renewable energy."

Florida created more than 1,700 new jobs in the state’s growing solar industry last year, according to a report released earlier this year by The Solar Foundation. Florida is now home to 8,260 solar jobs—an increase of 26 percent from 2015 figures. According to the Solar Foundation, the Miami metropolitan area gained 811 solar jobs from 2015 to 2016, representing a 31 percent increase.

Miami Beach will host the U.S. Mayors Conference June 23-26. Sierra Club Ready For 100 nationwide campaign leaders will meet in Miami Beach to participate in trainings and other events that week.

###

Sierra Club impact felt in Climate Marches across Florida

Thousands of Floridians marched, rallied and biked for climate justice last Saturday. Sierra Club staff and volunteers organized, supported and participated in 22 events across the Sunshine State, including Mar-A-Lago, Trump's so-called Winter White House.

The mass-mobilization was organized by many organizations. Some were led by the Sierra Club and allies like 350.org, Surfrider and Environment Florida, some by climate justice organizations like Organize Florida and the Miami Climate Alliance, some by resistance groups like Indivisible and Women's March, and some were organized by teams of groups and individuals, alike. There are too many to name. A special note of thanks to Kimberly Miller who quickly organized a great event in Jacksonville with the Sierra Club Northeast FL group.

Sierra Club convened statewide weekly coordination calls for the month preceding, so staff or volunteers from a variety of organizations could compare notes, receive information and be part of a unified Florida effort. Sierra Club encouraged every major and mid-sized city to participate.  Our Florida Sierra Club volunteers and staff worked directly on individual marches and on statewide media and outreach.

March to Mar-A-Lago, West Palm Beach

A crowd of around 500 gathered for the People’s Climate March on Mar-a-Lago.  The march kicked off with a rally across the water from Mar-a-Lago at George Petty Park . The Rally consisted of a series of speakers including:  Laura Morales of the Citizens Climate Lobby, Rabbi Barry Silver on behalf of the Palm Beach County Environmental Alliance and Congregation L ' Dor Va-Dor, Alex Newell Taylor of the Florida’s Women’s March, Patrick Ferguson of  Sierra Club Florida, and David Gibson of Peace, Justice, Sustainability Florida, along with musical performances by Allegra Miles and the “Raging Grannies.” Participants then marched on Trump’s "Winter Whitehouse" of Mar-a-Lago to demand climate change solutions and an end to climate change denial! Sierra Club organizer Patrick Ferguson was a speaker at the rally and was quoted in the Palm Beach Post the next day.

Protesters march past Mar-A-Lago (in background).  Image by Derick Dublin.

Sierra Club banner waves at Mar-A-Lago march

Hundreds gather before the march to Mar-A-Lago. Photo by Steve Hawes.

Media: Palm Beach Post, CBS 12


Miami

In Miami, several hundred marched from Little Havana's Jose Marti Park, which experienced extensive flooding last year due to sea level rise, to the Lyric Theater in Overtown, Miami's historic African-American community. The event was organized by the Miami Climate Alliance. Five musical groups represented Miami's diverse communities at the event. Some of the props included a two-person operated Polar Bear and a Green Bus. There was also a 45-foot black snake, with the words FPL and Sabal Trail on the side, representing the Florida power company's interest in a fracked gas pipeline being built through the state.

Marching down the streets of Miami. Photo by Raul Swinderman

Photo by Jon Ullman

Photo by Blanca Mesa

Media: Miami Herald, CBS 4, FOX 7


Tampa Bay

On the hottest April day on record, over 500 residents of the Tampa Bay region rallied and marched in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay Peoples' Climate March. The event was organized Organize Florida and a broad coalition of local, state and national environmental and health care organizations and kicked off the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign for the city. 500+ signed Sierra Club's petition asking Mayor Bob Buckhorn to join his peers in supporting a vision of 100% clean energy for Tampa's community, and over 80 wrote handwritten letters to the mayor. Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director Frank Jackalone was a speaker at the event.

Preparing for the March. Photo by Jose Barriga

Photo by Jose Barriga

Hundreds march through downtown Tampa. Photo by Jose Barriga

Press: Tampa Bay Times, WMNF-FM (preview podcast), FOX 13, CBS 10, Bay News 9, ABC Action News, (w/ Sierra comments/members), NBC 8 (w/ sierra comments), SaintPetersBlog (Sierra Club Chapter Director Frank Jackalone quoted)

Ft. Lauderdale

Nearly 600 people rallied and marched in Fort Lauderdale. A rally was held at George English Park, followed by a march along Sunrise Blvd toward the beach on A1A that had been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.  Event was led by Women’s March Florida, with support from Sierra Club and other organizations. Diana Umpierre, Sierra organizer for Everglades Restoration campaign and President of International Dark-Sky Association, shared her reasons for marching and for hope. Other rally speakers included Emma Collum (Executive Director of Women’s March FL), Tim Canova (Progress for All), Louis Merlin, Rebecca Harvey (Citizens’ Climate Lobby), Kelsey Reider (climate change biologist), Dr. Keren Prize-Bolter (sea level rise expert), Richard WhiteCloud (sea turtle conservationist), Paola Espitia (marine biologist) and several panel speakers representing indigenous, black and other environmental justice communities.

Marching along Sunrise Blvd, toward A1A (beach). Photo by Garrin Evan/ garrinevan.com

Protesters holding Sierra signs to resist Trump’s hate and demand climate action now. Photo by Diana Umpierre/ Sierra Club.

Rally at Ft Lauderdale beach, along section of AIA that had been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Diana Umpierre/ Sierra Club.

Video of Sierra Club Everglades Organizer Diana Umpierre's speech

Video of the march

Press: Sun-Sentinel article and video, FOX 7, WLRN - 91.3 FM

Orlando

On Saturday, April 29th, Organize Florida and its allies gathered to march for jobs, justice, and climate in the Pine Hills community.  The march ignited change by lifting up the voices of the Pine Hills community and those most impacted by climate change- communities of color and low-income communities. The march closed with a healing circle, and a community event that included food, performances, yoga, and activities for kids. The message is clear, climate action must be rooted in Racial, Economic, and Gender Justice. 

Photo by Ricardo Williams

Photo: Organize Florida

WMFE 90.7, Windmere Sun


Gainesville

Despite heat stroke potential in the air, over 300 people participated in solidarity efforts to raise attention to the National Climate Movement.  A diversified group of citizens representing health, labor, bi-partisan politics, environment and community came together for the first time to build relationships that will have a lasting purpose of alliance. They marched through searing temperatures shouting chants for justice, peace and healing in a troubled world. Shana Smith, local community builder, emceed the event with facts about our global climate crisis and songs such as "This Land is Your Land" and her own local rendition of "Paradise".  Speakers included  Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson a Sierra Club Organizer, Wes Wheeler of the Gainesville Solar CoOp, Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell and poet E. Stanley Richardson.

Gainesville People's Climate Sister March, photo by John Moran

Shana Smith, community builder and chantress, emceed the event, photo by John Moran

Press: WCJB Channel 20

Pensacola



In the midst of an old southern city, more than 300 motivated souls came together in Pensacola to stand for action on climate change. We marched, chanted, sang, and danced in celebration of our living planet and the transition to clean energy. A most memorable part of the March was when dozens of marchers, from children to elders, came forward to tell their personal stories of why they marched. From children and grandchildren, to the wonders of a living planet, for justice, for the health of wildlife--there were many beautiful and powerful stories told. The event was organized by 350 Pensacola.

Photo by Community Unlimited, Facebook.

Photo by Community Unlimited, Facebook.

Photo by Community Unlimited, Facebook.

Press: WUWF 88.1 FM, SANDSpaper 


Sarasota

Hundreds of Sarasota County climate activists rallied along US 41 at Bayfront Park to clamor for an end to our dependence on dirty fuels and a move toward green energy on the gulf coast. The event focused on the local Ready for 100 % clean energy initiative for the City of Sarasota, where residents are preparing to take their fight to the city commission on June 5. The event was organized by the Sarasota Climate Justice Coalition.

Sarasota rallies for climate justice and clean energy

Sierra Club's Lynn Nilssen speaks to the crowd

Press: Suncoast News Network, ABC 7

Jacksonville

For Our Future, Sierra Club, Green Party, New Town Urban Farm and other organizations joined together to discuss local environmental injustices here in Jacksonville. We heard from Nathaniel Borden of Fairway Oaks Homeowners Association who are fighting the City of Jacksonville and Habijax for building homes on a known contaminated site. Janet Stanko and Karen Morian talked about state based legislation against fracking and sea level rise. Together, we took a stand just one week after Earth Day - and on Donald Trump’s 100th day in office -  to take the first steps in building a long-term grassroots movement that will fight for bold climate action to protect our communities, city and planet. We look forward to the work we will do together.

Group gathers at New Town Urban Farm in Jacksonville. Photo by Kimberly Miller.

Listening to Environmental Justice activists at New Town Urban Farm. Photo by Kimberly Miller.

Press: News 4 Jax

Ft. Myers

Ft. Myers residents rallied at Centennial Park and marched to the Edison Bridge and back. Organized by A.J. Amedure and Ruth Scott of the Sierra Club Calusa Group.



WGCU-FM, NBC 2

Tallahassee 

On the steps of the Florida Capitol, more than 100 people and a dancing manatee turned out for a rally organized by Surfrider Florida and the Big Bend Group of the Sierra Club.

A crowd gathers at the State Capitol.

In Florida, the beloved Manatee is threatened by climate change.

St. Petersburg

More than 100 people rallied and marched in St Petersburg in solidarity to People's Climate March in DC. Rally speakers included St. Petersburg City Council Chair Darden Rice.

Photo by Michael Fox, Facebook

Flagler Beach

The "Rally by the Sea" was the sister Climate March event  in Flagler Beach.The march over the Flagler bridge was attended by over 200 people, empowering their message of support . The rally continued at Veterans park with passionate speakers  addressing climate change, social justice, equal rights, plastic bag pollution, and jobs. This was the first event in Flagler in many years and attendance was encouraging. Coquina Coast Democratic Progressive Caucus and Sierra Club Volusia-Flagler Group with support from other groups and individuals.

Crowd turns out on Flagler Beach.

Sierra Club booth at Rally by the Sea on Flagler Beach

Press: Flagler Live

Naples

About 200 people came out to a People’s Climate event by the Collier County Government Complex in Naples, FL. They rallied and waved signs to passing motorists who were really positive to them. Event was organized by Indivisible Collier with support from other groups and concerned citizens.

Photo by Jeanne Emerick

The Villages

In Florida's Trump-friendly retirement enclave, The Villages, climate protesters organized a flash-mob.

Sebring

91 people attended a rally and forum at the Sebring Civic Center.

Photo by Highland County Democrats, Facebook

Key West

Hosted by Women's March Florida-Florida Keys Chapter and City of Key West - Preserve Island Life Campaign. Mayor Cates spoke about what the City has been doing about Climate Change. Also present: Trophia Buterfly Foundation, Monroe County Extension Service, Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

The southernmost Climate March in the U.S.

Pasco and Pinellas County Bike Rides

In Pasco and Pinellas Counties, over 20 people participated in bike rides (Bike CD12) as part of People's Climate March. Areas involved included: Lake Tarpon, Clearwater/ Safety Harbor, Odessa, New Port Richey and Dade City. According to the lead organizer, Elize Mysels with Pasco Activists, the most valuable outcome of this effort was the new connections made, which has even led to some of them uniting to take action on some local issues.

New Port Richie Bike ride. Photo courtesy of  Pasco Activists