MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Sierra Club Florida issued the following statement in response to reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) conducted unauthorized searches of public records involving environmental advocates:
"Being the target of political retaliation and intimidation is, unfortunately, nothing new in the world of environmental advocacy. Our commitment to protecting Florida's environment and ensuring a clean, healthy future for all often places us at odds with elected officials and government agencies. But that should never mean that everyday Floridians who choose to speak up for the environment should expect to become the subjects of unauthorized investigations by the very public bodies charged with hearing their concerns. The recent reports that members of the FWC searched public records on environmental advocates – including one of our own members – are deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable.” – Javier Estevez, Political and Legislative Director, Sierra Club Florida
"Learning through a public records request that I was reportedly under 'criminal investigation' was deeply unsettling. FWC never informed me, explained why, or gave me an opportunity to respond. Knowing I had done nothing criminal, I was left wondering what I was being accused of and what might happen next. I later learned my driver records had been accessed through a law enforcement database during the same period I was advocating for reforms to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No one should face intimidation or unwarranted government scrutiny simply for speaking up. Every Floridian should be able to advocate for the issues they care about and hold the government accountable without fear." – Sandy Moise, Conservation Committee Co-Chair, Sierra Club Florida Miami Group
To the appointed members of the FWC: Sierra Club Florida has long advocated for meaningful reforms to the Commission’s appointment process – reforms supported by Floridians across the political spectrum. This latest incident only underscores the urgent need for greater accountability, transparency, and public trust.
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