Research
I did interview a number of people, but there is more that went into this project. There were hours of background research, and I wanted to make sure you were aware of some of this background research. Some of this made it into the Eroded Episodes, but others did not for various reasons. However, I wanted to make sure I included more of my background research so you can see some of the information that is out there scattered across government sites, blog posts, and news articles.
There was more research that was done and more sources that were used, however, this is good information for anyone wanting to dive deeper. You will also notice on each Episode page there are more references and links.
HB 631
This link will take you to the Florida government site so you can read through the amendments of HB 631. It is interesting to see what it started as, a basic paragraph, and how it became 3 pages of text.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/631/?Tab=BillText
Huckabee Responds to Email to Sen. Passidomo
Mike Huckabee sent an email to Senator Passidomo thanking her for bringing HB 631 forward. Many people saw this as a "smoking gun" for his involvement. This article details the incident.
Huckabee Contributes to Glidewell Campaign
When Commissioner Danny Glidewell was running for his current position, he accepted a $1,000 campaign contribution from Mike Huckabee and an additional $1,000 from Huckabee's business, Blue Diamond Horizons, Inc. on 7/7/2018. The links below are to Glidewell's campaign contribution page and also to Mr. Huckabee's business on SunBiz.
Huckabee's House
Reporter Stephanie Mencimer, who I had the pleasure of interviewing, wrote a number of articles about Mike Huckabee and Matt Gaetz. This article details how Mr. Huckabee's house should not have been built where it was built.
Early Attempt to Repeal HB631
In 2020, then-Representative Evan Jennie representing Broward County, wanted to bring a bill forward to repeal HB631 but it never happened.
Texas Enshrines Public Beaches
Texas wrote a law, then years later enshrined it in their Constitution that all beaches would be public from the water to the vegetation line. However, this still sees challenges.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Open_Beaches_Act
Townhall on Customary Use in 2018
This is the link to the Townhall where local residents questioned officials, including Brad Drake, on what HB631 would mean for them and what could be done.
https://30a-tv.com/30a/2018/09/public-hearing-on-customaryuse-november-3rd/
Repeal of HB631 through SB1622
This video is the signing of SB1622, which repealed HB631. However, this did not revert beaches back to being public in Walton County. Gov. DeSantis speaks, and also John Dillard from Episode 6.