u.s. sugar

Florida is the nation's largest producer of sugar cane, responsible for half of the country's crop.Sugar's environmental impact here is bitterly debated as work now begins among the sprawling fields south of Lake Okeechobee on a reservoir aimed at Everglades restoration.

U.S. Sugar Corp. says it would honor a previous agreement putting land south of Lake Okeechobee toward Everglades restoration.

Facing defeat over 46,000 acres of U.S. Sugar land, environmentalists say they are still looking for ways to protect the Everglades.They're considering other options as the Legislature prepares to reconvene next week.

More than 200 scientists from across the country are calling for more water storage south of Lake Okeechobee for Everglades restoration.The scientists sent a petition to state leaders as environmentalists intensify their campaign for the state to buy 46,000 acres in the region.

Environmentalists are pushing Gov. Rick Scott to resurrect a deal that would put U.S. Sugar land toward Everglades restoration.They want to use Amendment 1 funding as lawmakers prepare for the start of the Legislative session next month.