Greetings!

Although our first public hearing has yet to be scheduled, there's still much to report!  Starting with the most recent development, we're pleased to announce that we've hired a new land use consultant to represent Save Guana Now: Tom Atkins. He and our Attorney Jane West, who has significant litigation experience at state and federal levels, are both heavy hitters. Tom's past clients include the U.S. National Park Service (Gulf Islands National Seashore), the University of Florida, and the City of Jacksonville.  

In other important updates, the county received a memo from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding the potential impact of development at the Outpost. Written by Dr. Michael Shirley, Manager of the GTM Research Reserve, the memo describes the detrimental impact development could have on Guana Lake. The memo states:  "Guana River north of the dam is economically important to the tourism of St. Johns County" and it "merits water quality protection."  The memo provides data to show how Guana Lake is "prone to the deleterious effects of excess stormwater pollutants." It concludes: "...the recommendation from the Research Reserve and from the Guana River Marsh Aquatic Reserve Management Staff is that protecting and improving the water quality of Guana Lake be seriously considered in deliberating this decision."  This document counters Gate's claims that development at the Outpost will have no negative impact on the surrounding preserve.

In case you missed recent broadcast coverage of Save Guana Now - first from WJCT Public Radio's Melissa Ross and then from Action News Jax's Russell Colburn - you can listen to the radio show here and watch the television report  here. 

In our last email, we reported that Ponte Vedra Corp.'s attorney said they were working on a response to St. Johns County's comments. PVC must be having a tough time responding. It's been over two months, and no response yet >>>>>> 

In the mean time, we continue gaining support. Our 500th supporter 

just joined our list. Help us keep the momentum going! Here's how:

1. We need your input! We're creating T-shirts that feature our spoonbill logo at the top of this email, and we need an idea of how many to order. We'll offer mens', ladies', and (if there's enough demand for them) youth sizes. Price: $15 per shirt.   We're asking everyone who attends the hearings (no date yet) to wear one to show solidarity. (A bumper sticker on a white t-shirt will suffice if you don't purchase the shirt.)  Until the hearings, this shirt will be a great way to raise awareness.   Please vote in our poll - there's  no commitment to purchase.   VOTE HERE and select as many T-shirts as you think you'll buy. (If more than one of the same size, reply to this email with how many you would add.) We'll send a follow-up email very soon so you can place your order. Special thanks to Craig O'Neal for giving us permission to use his spectacular animal photos.

2. Our bumper sticker and yard sign campaign is still going strong; anyone who has ever donated to Save Guana Now has a free bumper sticker coming to them. Just reply to this email with your address and choice of sticker. If you haven't donated, it's easy to do! 

Since we don't have an advertising budget, your car is our ad space! If you're "not a bumper sticker person," consider the fact that a sticker can always be removed from a car after we prevail, but houses can never be removed from the Outpost if we don't.

3. Yard signs are $25. (Our cost. Pick up in Ponte Vedra.)  See all of our yard signs  here. Reply to this email if you'd like one, and pay by check or online. 

4. Look for updates on our  Facebook page.  Like us, follow us, and please share our updates with your friends.