Water Wars [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Honey Rand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

Retired Green Beret Steve Monsees stood before the Governing Board. He represented neighbors and neighborhoods that believed their lakes were diminished or destroyed because cheap water was needed to fuel growth. He was nervous. They had all the power. He was angry. They refused to use their power to protect the environment. When he spoke, his voice cracked, his hands shook, but he was determined that they would hear him, really hear him, and that things would change.

Water wars are being fought in communities around the United States and world. Driven by drought, economics, and the ongoing pressure of growth, the battle for control and protection of water resources will be with us forever.

This is the story of a dispute over public water supply development and use in west central Florida. It's about politics and policy development, but it's also about people. After years of bitter dispute, the local governments and the regional regulator sought a means to move beyond conflict to collaboration.

The story describes what people said and did, how policy was made, and what happens to the people who are trying to make it work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind illuminating book about an issue that matters to everyone. -- Steve Seibert, Secretary, Florida Department of community Affairs --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Honey Rand has a Ph.D. in communications from the University of South Florida. She is an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida where she occasionally teaches in Environmental Science and Policy, Mass Media, Communications and Continuing Education departments. She was formerly communications coordinator for Mote Marine Laboratory, a marine and environmental research and education center in Sarasota, and was the directory of public communication for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1993-1998, a period which included what is known as the "water wars." She is the President of the Environmental PR Group, a firm specializing in water and related environmental matters. Ms. Rand is a native Floridian. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corporation; illustrated edition edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413409059
• ISBN-13: 978-1413409055
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,603,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A note to the reader, February 29, 2004

By 

Matthew K Monsees (Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Water Wars (Paperback)

I am a son of Steve Monsees and this book was a clear look into what happened and is still happening. I remember very well what it was like to watch the events unfold. My father started the water war with the idea that one man if he tried his hardest could make a difference.. now that isnt true for him anymore, with a great sadness in his eyes he told me that we dont have a voice.

Driven and commited to the cause he worked giving speaches and finding facts when the agency that was supposed to protect us tried their hardest to bury any evidence that might have protected the environment in Pasco county, they destroyed files and made excuses why the public wasnt allowed to see the "public" records. I remember a day that my father came home broken, high paid lawers had snubbed him saying that we could never raise enough money to compete legaly with the people stealing the water.

Sure there is a lake out there now, fake and pathetic, the government put wells there to shut him up. Driven into depression my father had to sell the house and move to a different part of Florida, to escape the pumping and to enjoy some of his retirement. Now they are tring to come here because they want more, the same people that took the water in Pasco county. I am tired of watching the land and animals die and I wonder if there ever will be enough money for those people that take everything and give nothing to stop this madness and greed. I hope the thieves find their own ways to be miserable and feel some of the pain that they all have caused my father.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, September 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Water Wars (Paperback)

No matter where in the country (or world for that matter) you are, this book tells a fascinating story about a key geo-political issue facing us all. You are seated at the table viewing power of communication in molding the perception of issues and responses. Not only an important contribution to Florida's history the book shows the reader the intricate interactions between the citizenry, the controlling politicians and the power of large agencies. Water Wars, A Story of People, Politics & Power is a must read for those who want to make a difference, those studying the process of communication and change and anyone interested in the power and critical nature of water in our world today.