Chanting “open the swamp or we’re coming in,” about a dozen protesters gathered at Florida Power & Light Co.’s headquarters Thursday to demand opening of a Martin County wetland preserve they say is being drained dry by the company’s power plant.

The protesters, who have been camping out around-the-clock in shifts outside the 455-acre Barley Barber Swamp since Monday, said they will defy the no-trespassing signs and enter the swamp on Saturday. They contend the power plant near Indiantown pulls water for cooling and dries out the wetland, threatening acres of cypress trees. (more…)

A showdown is brewing near Port Mayaca in Martin County as a group of environmental protesters are camping out for a second night tonight demanding access to a natural swamp on land owned by Florida Power and Light Co.

“If they don’t open the swamp, we will cross the tracks and risk arrest,” said Peter Shultz of Hobe Sound, a member of Everglades Earth First. (more…)

FORT PIERCE — A holiday camp for children will be offered several days this winter at the new Havert L. Fenn Center.

The camp, which is for children ages 5 to 11, will be offered on Dec. 24, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2. Campers will make holiday ornaments, play indoor and outdoor games, spend the day at the park, have lunch at CiCi’s Pizza, go to a movie and have a New Year’s Day party. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

The Havert L. Fenn Center is located at 2000 Virginia Ave. For more information, call the St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation staff at 772-462-1521.