Protect Florida Sportsmen's Rights & Virginia is Getting a Buc-ee's
Here's the latest dispatch.
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More States Should Pass Right to Hunt and Fish Amendments
Florida could soon add a right to hunt and fish amendment to its state constitution.
A joint resolution, presented as House Joint Resolution 1157 and Senate Joint Resolution 1234, is currently being deliberated in the state legislature. The provision, if passed, would create Section 28 to Article I of Florida's constitution to "preserve in perpetuity hunting and fishing as a public right."
If approved by both legislative chambers, it would go before Florida voters as a ballot measure in the 2024 election.
Although home to world-class sportfishing and hunting opportunities, the Sunshine State doesn't boast this protection. Lawmakers, however, recognize that anti-hunting activists aligned with Democratic-backed environmental groups could threaten Florida's outdoor heritage.
One of the sponsors, State Representative Lauren Melo (R-District 82), believes the resolution is timely.
"As a native Floridian, growing up hunting and fishing, I couldn't be more passionate about this great legislation that will preserve our rights for generations to come," Melo said in a statement to Townhall.com. "With the passage of this bill, my family and all of Florida will continue to enjoy our freedoms in the great state of Florida!"
Melo added, "This is so much more than just reporting about the billions of dollars sportsmen contribute annually to Florida's economy. This is about allowing us to continue traditions that have been respected and valued for hundreds of years. Based on a study dating back to 2017, about 74% of gun owners say the right to own guns is essential to their sense of freedom—although, today, sportsmen are being banned or censored on social media for posting a family picture of a harvest."
Buc-ee’s is Coming to Virginia in 2027
Stop the presses: Buc-ee’s is coming to Virginia! While the opening is slated for 2027, I’m very excited about the news.
From the New Kent County Virginia Economic Development:
Buc-ee’s Travel Center intends to expand their operations to New Kent County, Virginia at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64. The company plans to construct a 74,000 SF store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla charging spaces and 10 bus/RV parking spaces. The anticipated opening date is 2027. A Conditional Use Permit has been submitted to the County’s Planning and Zoning Department. The Applicant’s request for this Conditional Use Permit is solely limited to the review and approval of a proposed sign plan.
According to the company, “Buc-ee’s Travel Center is a family-focused travel center featuring a wide range of freshly prepared foods including home-crafted bbq, custom made sandwiches, fresh salads and fruits, baked goods, and sweets as well as a unique collection of gifts, housewares, clothing, and weekend get-away gear. Buc-ee’s is open 24/7 and provides our guests with the cleanest restrooms and friendliest staff to be found anywhere; much less on I-64. Buc-ee’s is not a truck stop; 18 wheelers are not allowed on the property. Buc-ee’s is a one-of-a-kind destination. Buc-ee’s will employ (full time with benefits) over 175 residents earning an average minimum wage of $16-18 per hour”.
Just Launched: The Gab Instagram Broadcast Channel
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Spring 2023 Speaking Tour
Come see me speak about conservation and environmentalism this month and beyond:
Tulane University—New Orleans, LA | March 15, 2023 at 6pm CT
Texas A&M University— College Station, TX | March 21, 2023 at 5:30pm CT
University of Wisconsin at River Falls—River Falls, WI | May 4, 2023 at 7pm CT
ICYMI
Articles/ commentary/media appearances from the past week.
MEDIA MENTIONS
I appeared Fox 5 DC to discuss DC’s now defeated crime reform bill and economic report. It was also cross-posted on Yahoo! News.
And I also appeared on Safari Club International’s First for Hunters podcast episode with Ryan Bassham and Cable Smith of Lone Star Outdoors Show.
ARTICLES/BLOGS
Podcasts You May Have Missed
Catch up on District of Conservation episodes below.
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—Gabriella