On Feb 14, 2011, two FAU Alumni began an occupation of the tree canopy in Briger Forest. The anti-Scripps tree sit in continues today as a direct deterrent to the expansion of Scripps Biotech in Florida. Click here to see videos and photos. Find out how you can support the tree sitters by contacting: evergladesearthfirst [at] gmail.com
Scripps biotechnology and bio-science facility is reaching it’s Phase II of development. Scripps Phase II will be built on the 700 acre forest, Briger Tract located on Donald Ross Road across from the FAU campus and Scripps Phase I.
We encourage you to do some research to decide if this is something you support or not. If Scripps Florida is not something Palm Beach County feels comfortable housing we invite you to get involved to have your voice heard. You may not disagree with everything Scripps brings- but you may disagree with at least one thing.
Will Scripps Florida Biotechnology be good for our families, communities, environment, and economy?
Here is some info about Scripps Biotech Phase II.
ENVIRONMENT
Scripps Phase II will devastate 683 acres of forest, home to Threatened and Endangered species of plants and animals such as Gopher Tortoise and Hand Fern. The land contains habitats suitable for at least 13 species listed for protection.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Scripps has still not disclosed the hazardous waste they will be disposing and what the associated risks would be. We know they deal with biological weapons such as Anthrax and industry diseases such as Mad Cow. The site is located directly west of two populated neighborhoods, San Michele and Legends at the Gardens. The water on the site drains into the regional canal system, emptying into the Intercoastal Waterway, potentially impacting all who live on the Lake Worth Lagoon.
ECONOMICS
Scripps has already cost taxpayers over $580 million dollars in subsidies from the State and County. In 2009, Scripps was the cause for 33% of Palm Beach County’s tax increase; nearly $40 million. This was the number one reason for last year’s tax increase, resulting from environmental permits being declared illegal. The current plan includes building 2,700 more homes and a new “City Place”, despite the entire Abacoa complex across the street going into foreclosure last year.
ETHICS
Testing and alliance with Genetically Modified Foods (GM’s), Tobacco companies, such as Novartis, Kraft, Monsanto, and Phillip Morris.
Animal Testing and Vivisection of monkeys (specifically Macaques,) dogs, cats, and mice will be routine in Scripps Experimentation. Vivisection research projects using Macaques are already routine at Scripps Florida at FAU. Some FAU students are rallying against this practice. Scripps located at FAU is the largest animal research facility in the state of Florida.
CORRUPTION
Since the original debacle with Scripps, 4 of the 7 Palm Beach County Commissioners who crafted the deal have been found guilty of corruption charges related primarily to crooked land deals.
WANNA HELP?!
Click here for a PDF of our flyer to circulate far and wide
SCRAP SCRIPPS BIOTECH & SAVE THE BRIGER 