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Public commenters raise tribal representation and environmental concerns during public comment
Summary
Two members of the public used the three‑minute comment period to call for stronger representation of indigenous interests and criticize environmental policy and agency landscaping practices.
During the public comment period two speakers addressed the board. David Ballard Geddes Jr., who identified himself as a resident of Palm Harbor, said the Tocobaga people historically occupied the Upper Tampa Bay area and asked why the Tocobaga tribes do not have a prominent role on the board to represent environmental and riparian concerns. Geddes asked why current government practices fail to reflect long‑standing local presence and ecological stewardship. Mark Clutho (identified in the transcript as a resident) criticized agency landscaping and broader national environmental policy, referenced news headlines about floods, fires and federal regulatory changes, and derided industry actions and messaging; his remarks included rhetorical questions about chemical regulation and references to a settlement headline. Both comments were delivered during the designated public comment period and were not part of any agenda item.
