Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Zorro

(17,399 posts)
Fri Sep 6, 2024, 08:31 AM Sep 2024

State parks whistleblower overwhelmed by praise and more than $207,600 in donations

Leaking clandestine plans to add hardscape amenities to Florida state parks cost James Gaddis his $49,000-a-year job at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

He knew the risk, but didn't foresee the windfall of gratitude that includes more than $207,600 in donations.

Gaddis, a 41-year-old single dad who works a side job on Saturdays, had set a goal of $10,000 through a GoFundMe account he set up last weekend to bridge him and his daughter until he could find another full-time job. Donations stood at $207,610 as of 7 a.m. Thursday.

Two weeks ago, Gaddis couldn’t afford to replace the broken stereo in his car.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2024/09/04/florida-state-parks-whistleblower-gets-180000-in-gofundme-donations/75069225007/

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
State parks whistleblower overwhelmed by praise and more than $207,600 in donations (Original Post) Zorro Sep 2024 OP
228K and counting. Good for him. You don't fuck with our State Parks in Florida. Lochloosa Sep 2024 #1
That is one big-hearted soul! LearnedHand Sep 2024 #2
People can be so good! I'm very happy for him Coexist Sep 2024 #3

LearnedHand

(4,675 posts)
2. That is one big-hearted soul!
Fri Sep 6, 2024, 08:48 AM
Sep 2024

He seems to have a Tim Walz- level of integrity. I hope to see him flourish in a public service position worthy of that integrity.

Also, self-servingly, I hope Hollywood sees the clear potential for this man's David and Goliath story here.

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Florida»State parks whistleblower...