TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Whitfield, FL

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 HRT For Men Whitfield, FL

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.

When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:

  • Facial Hair
  • Body Hair
  • Deeper Voice
  • Muscle Strength
  • Increased Libido
  • Muscle Density

As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.

 Human Growth Hormone Whitfield, FL

How Does TRT Work?

TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.

Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.

Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.

When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.

 Ipamorelin Whitfield, FL

What Causes Low T?

For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.

When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.

If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.

For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.

 Sermorelin Whitfield, FL

Low Sex Drive

One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.

The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.

 TRT Whitfield, FL

Inability to Achieve and Maintain an Erection

Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.

Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.

Hair Loss

 Hormone Replacement Whitfield, FL

Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass

Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?

Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.

Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Whitfield, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.

Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Whitfield, FL

Hair Loss

If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.

Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Whitfield, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.

While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.

 TRT For Men Whitfield, FL

Gynecomastia

Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.

If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.

 HRT For Men Whitfield, FL

Decreased Energy

Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.

If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.

Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.

 Human Growth Hormone Whitfield, FL

Lack of Sleep

A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.

The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.

TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.

 Ipamorelin Whitfield, FL

Depression

You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.

A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.

Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.

 Sermorelin Whitfield, FL

Inability to Concentrate

Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.

However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.

Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.

 TRT Whitfield, FL

Weight Gain

Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.

Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.

Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.

 TRT For Men Whitfield, FL

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.

 HRT For Men Whitfield, FL

Benefits of Sermorelin

Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.

Benefits of Sermorelin include:

  • Better Immune Function
  • Improved Physical Performance
  • More Growth Hormone Production
  • Less Body Fat
  • Build More Lean Muscle
  • Better Sleep
 Human Growth Hormone Whitfield, FL

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.

Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.

 Ipamorelin Whitfield, FL

Benefits of Ipamorelin

One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.

Some of those benefits include:

  • Powerful Anti-Aging Properties
  • More Muscle Mass
  • Less Unsightly Body Fat
  • Deep, Restful Sleep
  • Increased Athletic Performance
  • More Energy
  • Less Recovery Time for Training Sessions and Injuries
  • Enhanced Overall Wellness and Health
  • No Significant Increase in Cortisol

Your New, Youthful Lease on Life Starts Here

Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.

Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!

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Latest News in Whitfield, FL

Florida State's Kermit Whitfield comes up big with 100-yard kickoff return

USA TODAY SportsFlorida State freshman speedster Kermit Whitfield is one of the smallest players in college football."I'm all heart, though, and that makes up for lack of size," Whitfield said late Monday night at the Rose Bowl, where he had become a big part of a national championship football team.Heart and speed, too.They say speed kills, but it was Whitfield's sprinter speed that brought the Seminoles back to life in the fourth quarter Monday night.Whitfield is a 5-7, 178-pounde...

USA TODAY Sports

Florida State freshman speedster Kermit Whitfield is one of the smallest players in college football.

"I'm all heart, though, and that makes up for lack of size," Whitfield said late Monday night at the Rose Bowl, where he had become a big part of a national championship football team.

Heart and speed, too.

They say speed kills, but it was Whitfield's sprinter speed that brought the Seminoles back to life in the fourth quarter Monday night.

Whitfield is a 5-7, 178-pounder who has run 10.15 in the 100 meters and says his last timed 40-yard dash was a 4.37, and that speed might have saved a national championship for Florida State.

With the Seminoles down 24-20 after Auburn kicked a field goal with 4:42 left in the game, Whitfield took the ensuing kickoff on the goal line.

This time, his return partner, Karlos Williams, instead of holding him back like he had on deep kicks earlier in the game, looked upfield for a block.

He found a man to hit – he said it was Auburn's Jonathan Mincy.

Whitfield saw this, too, and cut off Williams' block toward the left sideline – and he was gone.

Really gone.

"I don't think anyone in college football can catch him," Williams said.

Whitfield agrees.

"I cut off the block and accelerated," Whitfield said. "I just saw green. Daylight. It opened up and I just ran as fast as I could. Nobody's going to catch me."

It was the first kickoff return touchdown since Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. returned a 93-yarder against Florida in 2007.

That was in a losing effort. Whitfield's sparked his team to victory.

He jumped into the stands after the game to celebrate, and said afterward that the big play on such a big stage means the world to him.

He couldn't wait to talk to friends and family back home in Orlando.

"I've probably got a thousand missed calls," he said.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher can envision lots more Whitfield highlights in the coming years.

"This guy is going to be a big-time player," Fisher said. "He has great hips, great acceleration. He's learning our offense and getting the touches, but in the open field he's as dynamic as anyone in America. He's as good as anybody I've ever been around and to do it at that stage . . . I think the sky's the limit for that guy in his whole career at Florida State."

Florida State’s Levonte Whitfield has speed to spare

If Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield looked fast as he sprinted 100 yards for a Florida State touchdown on a fourth-quarter kickoff return Monday, there’s a good reason.He’s really just that fast.According to the game clock, Whitfield, a freshman, covered the distance in 11 seconds — a little slower than what he ran for 100 meters to win the Florida state high school sprint championship last spring during track.Whitfield also won a state title at 200 meters.Now he’s a football c...

If Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield looked fast as he sprinted 100 yards for a Florida State touchdown on a fourth-quarter kickoff return Monday, there’s a good reason.

He’s really just that fast.

According to the game clock, Whitfield, a freshman, covered the distance in 11 seconds — a little slower than what he ran for 100 meters to win the Florida state high school sprint championship last spring during track.

Whitfield also won a state title at 200 meters.

Now he’s a football champion too, as his return helped the top-ranked Seminoles defeat Auburn, 34-31, in the Bowl Championship Series title game before 94,208 at the Rose Bowl.

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SUMMARY: Florida State 34, Auburn 31

Whitfield entered the game averaging 30.8 yards in 13 returns this season.

Against Auburn, he caught the ball at the goal line, broke straight up the field, headed to the left sideline at about the 20, and scored untouched.

The touchdown put Florida State up, 27-24 with 4 minutes 31 seconds to play.

Golden indeed

Executive Director Bill Hancock described the 16 years of the BCS as “a golden era for college football” at a Football Writers Assn. of America awards breakfast in Newport Beach.

“I’m proud of our track record and I’m proud of BCS,” Hancock said. “It matched No. 1 and 2, enhanced the regular reason, it improved the bowl system and it introduced new schools to top-tier bowl games.”

Air of contention

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Before the game, a plane flew around the Rose Bowl delivering a message from the All Players United campaign.

It read, “All Players United for Concussion Reform. Wake Up NCAA!”

The group wants the NCAA to take steps to better protect college players.

Sign of old times

The students of Caltech tried to get in the title game action by erecting a sign in the hills north and west of the Rose Bowl that read “PASADENA” in large white letters before the game — a la the famous Hollywood sign.

At halftime, those letters changed to a bright red CALTECH.

Former Dodger makes a catch

Melvin Ray, a former outfielder in the Dodgers farm system, was on the receiving end of Auburn’s longest pass play of the night — a 50-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.

Ray had four catches for 58 yards for the season coming into the game.

Ray signed with the Dodgers as a 33rd-round draft choice out of a Tallahassee, Fla. high school in 2008, but he never rose above the rookie-league level.

Ray left baseball after the 2010 season with a career average of .184 with two home runs in 196 at-bats.

Secret weapon

Had Auburn been able to hold off Florida State, punter Steven Clark might have been an unsung hero.

Clark punted six times for a 43.2-yard average, but more importantly he pinned Florida State inside its own 10 three times.

Twice his punts landed inside the one-yard line.

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Twitter: @MikeHiserman

Staff writer Chris Dufresne contributed to this report.

Man charged with DUI, child neglect after crashing into Hillsborough patrol car, deputies say

TAMPA — A man is facing DUI and child neglect charges after he crashed into a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office patrol car, deputies said.Donald L. Whitfield Jr., 29, was driving an Oldsmobile Alero south on Nebraska Avenue just before 1 a.m. when he crashed into a marked Dodge Charger car parked in the inside lane near Bearss Avenue, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy had parked the Charger to block traffic from an unrelated crash and had activated the car’s emergency lights a...

TAMPA — A man is facing DUI and child neglect charges after he crashed into a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office patrol car, deputies said.

Donald L. Whitfield Jr., 29, was driving an Oldsmobile Alero south on Nebraska Avenue just before 1 a.m. when he crashed into a marked Dodge Charger car parked in the inside lane near Bearss Avenue, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy had parked the Charger to block traffic from an unrelated crash and had activated the car’s emergency lights and a left arrow signal.

The impact caused the Oldsmobile’s airbag to deploy. A 1-year-old child riding in a car seat in the back of the car did not appear to be injured but was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital as a precaution, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies contacted the Florida Abuse Hotline.

Whitfield showed signs of impairment and a breath sample indicated his blood alcohol level was .171, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Under Florida law, a driver is presumed impaired at .08 percent.

Whitfield was booked into the Hillsborough County jail on charges of DUI accompanied by a person younger than 18; DUI resulting in injury or property damage (second conviction); child neglect; driving with a suspended license; and violating probation. He was being held without bail Tuesday.

Jail records list his home address in Land O’ Lakes.

A live, unarmed French missile, essentially like a firearm with a safety on, was found at the Lakeland Linder International Airport Friday afternoon and safely transported to a munition storage facility at MacDill Air Force Base, where it awaits proper disposal, airport and base officials said Monday.

The airport has received inert missiles in the past as part of shipments for their defense contractor tenant, Draken International, said Eugene Conrad, airport director. But the fact that the missile was found live led to an evacuation of the whole southeast side of the airport for about four hours.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and Draken has been here since 2011, but this is a first,” Conrad said.

Members of MacDill’s 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were dispatched to secure the missile, and the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron sent a truck with a team to help them load and transport it to base, said Lt. Brandon Hanner, spokesman for the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The Lakeland Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped as well.

In an emailed statement Monday, Draken International gave this account of the incident: “In the process of evaluating shipments to Draken International’s Lakeland facility, our team discovered an object with questionable markings indicating it may be explosive. Adhering to the explosive safety rule of exposing the minimum amount of people for the minimum amount of time to a potential explosive hazard, we made the decision to evacuate the facility, inform our surrounding tenants, and contact the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.”

Bengals ink former Florida speedster Levonte Whitfield

The Cincinnati Bengals are making no attempt to hide their agenda. After signing former Florida WR Kermit Whitfield, speed is definitely the theme.The Bengals made a move to strengthen their wide receiver corps. On Saturday, former Florida State WR Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield signed on to play with Cincinnati.Recently, Whit...

The Cincinnati Bengals are making no attempt to hide their agenda. After signing former Florida WR Kermit Whitfield, speed is definitely the theme.

The Bengals made a move to strengthen their wide receiver corps. On Saturday, former Florida State WR Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield signed on to play with Cincinnati.

Recently, Whitfield had a stint with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted college free agent. As Cincinnati tries to upgrade every aspect of a dismal 6-9-1 campaign, this signing flows with the overall theme for the new season. Speed is the new direction for Cincinnati. With the additions of John Ross (Mr. 422) and Josh Malone, the Bengals are valiantly attempting to erase the “old and slow” moniker of 2016.

Baby Hawk Dreams?

More from Bengals News

Whitfield’s measurables put him at 5’8” and 180 pounds. Looking again at the speed attribute, he clocked a 4.44 at the NFL Combine. As a kick returner, he stockpiled 2,386 yards.

A quick analysis, per NFL.com.

"Gadget player who can be activated with jet sweeps, reverses and wide receiver screens. Kicks it into high gear quickly and is dangerous after the catch. Has speed to split two deep safeties from slot. Surprising body control for small receiver and can win the occasional 50/50 down the field. Is short, but with compact lower body. Was used in intermediate routes. Has kick return experience."

If Whitfield’s size and overall description remind you of anyone, just think Andrew Hawkins. Both players are small in stature but pack a serious punch in the open field. Hawkins was beastly with his open-field moves.

This isn’t a move to replace any of the current Bengals special teams players. Whitfield can certainly be viewed as either insurance or a nice change of pace kick returner. Alex Erickson and Adam Jones have those duties locked down. But, there’s always room for another speedy weapon.

Next: Mixon Is A Beast

The Bengals will likely use Whitfield to spell their all-star lineup. Adding more speed and agility to an already nightmarish WR corp doesn’t bode well for opposing defenses. Maybe 50 years in the league has convinced Mike Brown and the Bengals to stock up on John Madden’s favorite commodity.

Have politicians forgotten Florida Forever, the best land conservation program in America? | Column

It’s true that low taxes and warm weather attracts many new citizens to Florida. A closer look will show that underpinning the economics and comfort of living are the fundamentals of what makes Florida Florida — our water and land resources. Florida is defined by its sandy beaches and estuaries; freshwater, lakes, springs and rivers; abundant fish and wildlife; and far more natural amenities. They exist because the state has been successful in conserving its most important assets. Florida Forever and its predecessors have been ac...

It’s true that low taxes and warm weather attracts many new citizens to Florida. A closer look will show that underpinning the economics and comfort of living are the fundamentals of what makes Florida Florida — our water and land resources. Florida is defined by its sandy beaches and estuaries; freshwater, lakes, springs and rivers; abundant fish and wildlife; and far more natural amenities. They exist because the state has been successful in conserving its most important assets. Florida Forever and its predecessors have been acclaimed as the best land conservation programs in the United States.

It’s also true that Florida Forever has been woefully underfunded for more than a decade. Something needs to be done about that.

Since the 1970s the state has recognized that regulations and persuasion couldn’t protect the values of undeveloped, natural land, and the only way certain to protect its natural values was through purchase. Land acquisition programs in the 1970s and ’80s permanently set aside thousands of acres in the Everglades region and throughout Florida. Following that lead, in 1990 the Legislature passed the Preservation 2000 Act, which enabled the purchase of $300 million of environmentally sensitive land each year for 10 years. More than 1.7 million acres were forever protected from the untethered development of the state.

Building on the success of Preservation 2000, in 1999, the state Legislature passed the Florida Forever Act to provide $300 million per year for environmental land acquisition for another 10 years.

The Florida Forever Act called for the acquisition of lands listed by the Florida Acquisition and Recreation Council, as well as the Rural and Family Lands, Florida Communities Trust and Florida Recreation Development Assistance programs. Acquisitions could be by outright purchase or purchase of development rights or easements. Under Florida Forever more than 869,000 acres were purchased with $3.2 billion. Together these two programs purchased and protected over 2.6 million acres.

The Florida Forever program received its allocated funding of $300 million, sometimes more, through 2008 and was then drastically reduced due to the economic down turn of that year. It has languished ever since. In 2009 it received $0; in 2010, $15 million; in 2011, $0; in 2012, $8.4 million; in 2013, $21.7 million; in 2014, $17.4 million. Underfunding of the program continues to this day.

With the main intention of restoring funding for Florida Forever to its historic levels, in 2012 a group of Florida conservation organizations began a referendum drive called “The Water and Land Conservation Initiative” to amend the state Constitution. In 2014 Amendment 1 passed with 75 percent voter approval. The amendment requires that one-third of the proceeds of the state’s real estate documentary stamp taxes go to purposes stated, with Florida Forever as top priority. Other conservation programs such as land management, Everglades restoration, springs protection and beach nourishment were also to be funded. It was projected that $20 billion would be raised during the forthcoming 20 years, approximately $1 billion per year on average.

Never mind what the Florida Constitution said, governors and Legislatures have ignored the will of the voters — the people — year after year. Even after the Constitution was amended in 2014, Florida Forever funding has year after year continued to be sporadic and never close to what was intended: $37.9 million in 2015; $105 million in 2016; $10 million in 2017; $96.8 million in 2018; $34.5 million in 2019 and $91.7 million in 2020. Where did the money go? Everglades restoration has been generously funded; and land management, springs protection, beach nourishment, and other projects have also received funding. Yet Florida Forever has gotten only a small fraction of what the Constitution intended. Florida Forever funding should be a minimum of $300 million per year — anything less is a slap in the face of Florida voters and our environment.

Projections are that the amendment will raise over $965 million in fiscal year 2021-22. The governor’s 2021-22 budget recommends $473 million for Everglades restoration including major engineering and construction works and a scant $50 million for Florida Forever. If you live in north, east, west or central Florida, you’re on the short end. Think about that. I helped Gov. Bob Graham establish the Everglades restoration program in 1983 and spent a large part of my career in its pursuit. Everglades restoration is very important and needs to be pursued with more thoughtfulness and less politics. The majority of the state should not be shortchanged in favor of one of its regions.

A 2016 study by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and 1000 Friends of Florida projected that by 2070 the state’s population will surpass 33 million, 15 million more than in 2010, and every new resident will need a place to live. Over 11 million acres of land will be developed. As a result of loss of land, loss of aquifer recharge areas, and increased demands, water supplies are in jeopardy. Your children and grandchildren need to be paying attention.

In plain language, the Water and Land Conservation Amendment intended primarily to fund Florida Forever has been ignored and brazenly abused since its passage. The 4.2 million Floridians who voted for the amendment and those who want Florida to continue to be a beautiful and desirable place to live should be offended. The state’s leaders have thumbed their noses at you and by their actions have said — we don’t care how you voted or what you think.

If our land and water resources are important to you, speak up and tell the governor and legislators that you care, and have a long memory.

Estus Whitfield, who was the principal environmental adviser to six Florida governors, is a founding member of the Florida Conservation Coalition. He’s a Florida native.

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