Standing at the intersection of politics and justice, this article underlines the challenges faced by Floridians championing the state’s wildlife. It reminds us that freedom of speech is not only a fundamental right but also the driving force behind civic engagement in protecting Florida’s precious natural spaces.

Governor Ron DeSantis extended Florida’s self-declared state of emergency 15 times to grant himself special powers needed to seize control of land for a project known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” This unprecedented use of emergency powers raises questions about governance and oversight.