Something You Should Know.
Things are changing at an alarming rate.
Oki!
In just two weeks, we’ll be closing on the new property. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and full of moving boxes. I’m balancing the chaos of packing up our life here—south of the Skyway—with the challenge of planning how to get my studio back in action as quickly and efficiently as possible.
But I need to pause for a moment and speak from the heart.
You know, I try to steer clear of politics. I am all about finding the things we all have in common, rather than what divides us. My art is rooted in culture and a profound love of the Florida outdoors. That’s the foundation of everything I share with you. But lately, the political world has crossed directly into the literal landscapes and communities I care most about, and I won't be silent. Not this time.
January 9th, 2025—Just six months ago, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made bold promises about the future of Florida’s waters and ecosystems. He framed Everglades restoration as part of his legacy, saying he wanted to leave Florida better than he found it for the next generation.
Now? That same administration, following the direction of James Uthmeier, is working to turn Big Cypress into a high-security prison complex. They’re calling it a “solution,” but the only thing it's solving is how to spend $450 million a year locking people away in a landscape they clearly don’t understand or value.
Florida's Attorney General even described the swampy terrain as a built-in barrier, saying there’s “not much waiting” beyond the fence besides pythons and gators.
“Not much.”
That phrase says everything about how they view not only this fragile, sacred ecosystem, but the Indigenous communities who have lived in and cared for it for generations.
Big Cypress is not empty wilderness. It’s home. The Miccosukee people live there. They hold ceremonies there. Their ancestors are buried there. As Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress wrote, "The Big Cypress is part of us, and we are a part of it." These are not abstractions. These are living communities with living traditions under threat.
I was recently introduced to Garrett Stuart, a nearby resident and founder of the Eco Preservation Project, who spoke beautifully of the area: the frogs calling, the gators grunting, the ospreys overhead. It’s a place full of life, not a dumping ground for bureaucracy and bad ideas.
Travis Thompson of All Florida, whose voice I respect a great deal, rightly pointed out, we could build a prison anywhere. There is only one Everglades. Within the same year, the government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring this ecosystem with over $400 million, and is trying to pave over its very heart.
Today, as a break from packing up my brushes, paints, papers, canvases, and maps to prepare for the next chapter of my studio, I want to be absolutely clear:
I’m paying attention. I will remember every single name attached to this decision when it’s time to vote.
Because they all need to go.
Every.
Single.
One.
Thanks for reading, and thank you for standing up for wild places, real history, and the truth.
Be safe.
Be well.
Let’s try and keep this a beautiful world.
Craig