In order to provide options for in-person and virtual attendance, the Suwannee River Management District moved the location of the Feb. 23 and 24 special meeting. The event was moved from the Suwannee River Fair Pavilion in Fanning Springs to the district headquarters in Live Oak.
The meeting surrounds the water bottling permit for Seven Springs Water Company, a company contracted by multinational corporation Nestlé, to take nearly one million gallons of water a day from Ginnie Springs. The Suwannee River Management District previously opposed the renewal of the bottling permit. On Jan. 22, a judge recommended renewing the company’s permit.
This is the final chance for the public to voice opinions on the topic. Originally, the meeting was to be held in person with no option for virtual public comment. The Ichetucknee Alliance President John Jopling said he disagrees with the original decision.
“The Governing Board must allow virtual public comments so they listen to the science and the people,” Jopling said, according to a press release from Our Santa Fe River and the Florida Springs Council.
On Jan. 4, the Suwannee River Management District executive director extended an order allowing for virtual public comment until Feb. 27.
The new meeting place is located at 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak, Florida, 32060.
Further information and updates on the meeting can be found on the Suwannee River Management District website.