This article was originally posted on Working Films‘ blog and is reposted with permission.
We’ve partnered with The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Sierra Club Florida, Waterkeeper Alliance, and Earthjustice to bring Coal Ash Stories to the sunshine state. We’re kicking off a series of screenings from January 28th – February 2nd and will be hosting events in Sarasota, Tampa, Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Pensacola.
Coal ash is of particular concern in Florida because of the state’s porous karst geology. This, accompanied by a high water table could enable pollution from a leaking coal ash pond or landfill to spread rapidly.
Each of the 30-minute screenings will pair the 4 short films that make up Coal Ash Stories with a discussion led by those who are impacted by this toxic waste in Florida, and organizations leading the charge for stronger regulations. Coal Ash Stories will draw public and political attention to the threat of coal ash in Florida, and the impacts it could have on public health, the environment, and the state’s $82 billion a year tourism industry. Rhiannon Fionn, journalist and creator of the documentary-in-progress Coal Ash Chronicles, will be at each of the screenings. Full event details and RSVP links below:
Sarasota
Thursday, January 28th, 7 pm
Peace Education and Action Center
525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hosted by: Suncoast Waterkeeper
RSVP for the Sarasota screening here
Tampa
Friday, January 29th, 7 pm
Seminole Heights Library
4711 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Hosted by: Tampa Bay Group Sierra Club and Suncoast Waterkeeper
RSVP for the Tampa screening here
Lakeland
Saturday, January 30th, 7 pm
Saint David’s Episcopal Church
145 East Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
Hosted by: The Beyond Coal Campaign and Saint David’s Episcopal Church
RSVP for the Lakeland screening here
Jacksonville
Monday, February 1st, 6:30 pm
The Sun-Ray Cinema
1028 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Hosted by: The St. Johns Riverkeeper and The Northeast Florida Sierra Club
RSVP for the Jacksonville screening here
Pensacola
Tuesday, February 2nd, 7:00 pm
University of West Florida Auditorium
11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514
The Auditorium is in Building 22 – Park in Lot H, J or L
Hosted by: Emerald Coastkeeper and Student Environmental Action Society
RSVP for the Pensacola screening here