A watery wilderness lies between Naples and Miami, a serene Florida landscape of ancient cypress trees, rare orchids and elusive species like the Florida panther.

To set foot in Big Cypress National Preserve is to be enchanted by it, to see firsthand its irreplaceable value in a state where the coasts are crowded by strip malls, highways and housing developments. It’s not only a beautiful place − its survival is essential to the water supply and the economy for millions of Floridians.

The Tallahassee and Washington politicians ramrodding a mass detention center into this part of the Everglades are ignoring these realities. They have lost touch with the citizens who cherish this place, who recognize its connection to Florida’s public health and economy.

The backlash has been swift. A diverse coalition of tens of thousands of Floridians are calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to stop construction of the damaging detention center they’ve dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The coalition includes conservative hunters, tribal members, “Gladesmen” who have lived in Big Cypress for generations, environmentalists and countless other Floridians from all walks of life.

Miccosukee tribal elder Betty Osceola has been at the forefront. “It shows regardless of who we are, we all have something in common," she said. "We love the Everglades, and we’re willing to stand together to fight for her."

DeSantis has dismissed any concerns about environmental impacts on the........

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