Progress Florida

What is Progress Florida ?
Progress Florida uses innovative, internet-based organizing and communication tactics to expand public support for progressive causes, organizations and leaders. Working with progressive organizations and the netroots community, Progress Florida offers concerned citizens effective, easy and fun ways to make their voices heard on policy decisions that impact our quality of life. Progress Florida is part of the ProgressNow network of organizations working to build the progressive movement, online, state-by-state. To learn more and take action visit www.ProgressFlorida.org
“This will soon be the central place for Florida progressive activists to congregate. Get in on it early. Conservatives and Republicans should be scared.” – Florida Progressive Radio, May 22, 2008
“In a state controlled by Republicans, a new group is looking to use the Internet to help organize voters and build support on "progressive'' issues.” – Daytona Beach News-Journal, May 19, 2008
“A group of Florida progressives have banded together and formed a new group that they hope will have the same power and influence within the state with progressives as MoveOn.Org has done nationally.” – WMNF Public Radio – Tampa Bay, May 20, 2008
“…The site's debut includes an effort to seek Gov. Charlie Crist's support for blocking urban sprawl into the Everglades and a look at Orlando lawyer John Stemberger, the leader of the push for a state constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage.” – Orlando Sentinel, May 19, 2008
PAVE WHAT’S LEFT OF THE EVERGLADES?
PROGRESS FLORIDA CALLS ON GOV. CRIST TO STOP IT

Miami, FL – Progress Florida, in partnership with leading environmental groups, is urging Floridians to sign a petition calling on Gov. Crist to stand up to developers and protect the Everglades.
“This natural treasure belong to all of us,” said longtime Everglades activist and Chair of the newly formed Progress Florida, Alan Farago. “They're jeopardizing billions in federal funding for Everglades restoration just to benefit a few wealthy developers. We’re urging Floridians to call on their governor to stop it.”
Nearly a century of draining, diking and digging have destroyed half of the historic Everglades. Now South Florida officials have just approved two new developments that will allow urban sprawl to continue its march right up to the edge of the Everglades.
The Miami-Dade County Commission has approved the move of the line despite objections from planning staff, a veto by Mayor Carlos Alvarez, and thousands of citizens and organizations mobilized by the “Hold the Line” coalition. Not only would moving the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) impact the Everglades; it poses a serious threat to drinking water supplies; would cause further traffic problems; and pave wetlands critical for flood control.
“We have the power to make a difference when we work together,” said Mark Ferrulo, former head of Environment Florida and now Executive Director of Progress Florida. “Floridians can make a difference today by signing this petition.”
For more information, and to see the petition, please visit http://www.ProgressFlorida.org/SaveTheGlades.

Click here to check out NPR's June 5th coverage of Progress Florida's ongoing campaign to save the Everglades from encroaching development. Thanks to everyone that has signed the petition thus far. Click the button above if you have yet to sign!
Progress Florida has these goals:
Build a strong progressive movement in Florida.
Progress Florida uses innovative, internet-based organizing and communication tactics to expand public support for progressive causes, organizations and leadership. We provide powerful, free, online organizing tools and support to Florida’s progressive community to empower people to make a difference in their own community.
Win advances in progressive public policy.
Working closely with other progressive organizations and the netroots community, Progress Florida offers concerned citizens effective, easy, and fun ways to make their voices heard on critical policy decisions that impact our quality of life.
Generate hard hitting tradional and new media coverage.
Progress Florida works to generate news coverage that shines the public spotlight on progressive solutions to real problems. We work with our extensive network of members and advisors to maintain a 24-7 rapid response media operation.
Increase civic participation and educate the public.
Progress Florida will activate our members and make sure the progressive voice is heard on issues that matter to Floridians. We will educate the public about the records and positions of Florida’s elected leaders and hold accountable elected officials who are in the pocket of powerful special interests.

www.ProgressFlorida.org