Episode 294: Lakeland's Swanfather

About this episode

The episode discusses the influence of big agriculture on legislation and the care of swans in Lakeland, Florida.

Big Sugar is leaning on the legislature to make it so people can't badmouth their product. Big ag is leaning on the legislature to make it ok to graze cows on state land including state parks. An unscrupulous business owner and lax Department of Environmental "Protection" contributed to a catastrophic fire in Dunnellon. If you've ever been to Lakeland, perhaps you've seen the Lake Morton swans. Steve Platt works for the City of Lakeland and it's his job to take care of the swans as "swa...

People in this episode

Host: Chadd Scott

Topics covered

• environment
• agriculture
• local wildlife
• legislation
• Florida culture

Keywords

• Lakeland
• swan
• Big Sugar
• environmental protection
• Dunnellon fire
• state parks
• agriculture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Department of Environmental Protection, Big Sugar, Big ag

Places: Lakeland, Dunnellon, Lake Morton

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