Protesters arrested near FPL swamp
PORT MAYACA, (AP) – Deputies arrested 17 protesters who were demanding Florida Power & Light officials open a Martin County swamp to the public.
Members of EarthFirst! say they had been camping near the 455-acre Barley Barber Swamp for about a week when they were arrested Saturday. They say reports from independent scientists prove an FPL plant has been draining the wetlands, and FPL officials have broken their promise to reopen the area to the public.
An FPL spokesman says the draining allegations were false. He says FPL entered into an agreement with the South Florida Water Management District in 1983 committing to maintain appropriate water levels.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says seven women and 10 men were charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.