Sugar industry gave $57.8 million to politicians, reports show

TALLAHASSEE — While the Everglades still struggle years after a landmark state and federal agreement on restoration plans, Florida Division of Elections records show tens of millions in political contributions from an industry that environmentalists blame for pollution in the wetlands.

The sugar industry, led by United States Sugar and Florida Crystals, steered $57.8 million in direct and in-kind contributions to state and local political campaigns between 1994 and 2016, according to a review of state elections records by the Tallahassee bureau shared by The Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.

The total does not include federal contributions.

Environmental groups argue the contributions resulted in the state softening regulations for sugar cane growers and other agricultural operations and undermining voter-approved Everglades cleanup initiatives.

Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/os-sugar-industry-political-donations-20160712-story.html