Whistleblower Fired After Exposing DeSantis’ Controversial Environmental Plan

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has dismissed whistleblower James Gaddis, a cartographer who bravely leaked details of Governor Ron DeSantis’ secretive plan to develop environmentally sensitive state parks. Gaddis, who worked for the agency for two years, revealed that the plan included the construction of hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts on preserved land, sparking widespread backlash.

Backlash Over Environmental Impact

Gaddis was terminated for “conduct unbecoming a public employee” after leaking the proposals, which led to bipartisan outrage. Both Democratic and Republican representatives joined forces in criticizing the plan, forcing Governor DeSantis to backtrack. DeSantis admitted the project was “half-baked” and announced it would be revised.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Gaddis emphasized the importance of preserving Florida’s state parks, saying, “It was the absolute flagrant disregard for the critical, globally imperiled habitat in these parks. This would be a complete bulldozing of all of that habitat.”

Secretive Process Raises Questions

Two Democratic state representatives, Anna Eskamani and Angie Nixon, have pressed the DEP for details on how the plan was developed and whether any no-bid contracts were involved. They believe Gaddis’ firing was retaliatory. Eskamani stated, “Firing a cartographer who had clear concerns about the process and lack of transparency is 100% retaliatory.”

The DEP has remained silent on personnel matters, while a spokesperson, Alex Kuchta, had previously defended the controversial plans. DeSantis distanced himself from the project, claiming it was leaked to create a negative narrative. However, political analysts labeled the incident a “self-inflicted political wound.”

Whistleblower’s Document Reveals Shocking Details

Gaddis revealed in a document, which he claims to have created on his own time, that the proposals included the construction of 350-room hotels and recreational facilities across nine state parks. These plans, hastily developed within two weeks with limited public engagement, could potentially destroy critical, globally imperiled habitats.

Gaddis expressed frustration over the DEP’s secretive approach, which involved holding short-notice meetings at the parks to limit public input. Despite being fired for alleged “negligence and misconduct,” Gaddis defends his actions.

Public Support Grows

Since his termination, Gaddis has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “An Ethical Whistleblower’s New Start,” which has already raised over $63,000, a testament to the public’s unwavering support. Gaddis, a single father, expressed gratitude for the public’s support and is determined to hold the DEP accountable for its actions.

The controversy surrounding this environmental plan and Gaddis’ firing has raised significant concerns about the transparency and integrity of state projects, particularly those impacting Florida’s natural resources.