Let us know how this goes, and thanks for letting us be part of it.

Misty Jackson, Ph.D., RPA


Arbre Croche Cultural Resources,
214 South Main Street
Leslie, Michigan 49251
Center for Maritime and 
Underwater Resource Management
www.cmurm.org


On Jan 19, 2016, at 10:58 AM, Wallman, Diane wrote:

> Dear Colleagues,
> 
> 
> As many of you know, the Florida Legislature is considering a bill (HB803) that would allow private individuals to remove (and potentially sell) artifacts from state lands with an inexpensive permit. The Florida archaeology community has organized representation in opposition of the bill at the subcommittee meeting today in Tallahassee, but many are unable to attend. For those unable to participate, there is an organized 'twitter storm' scheduled for today beginning at 12:30pm.
> 
> 
> Details are posted in the email below. I also have contact information for the reps on this subcommittee for those who aren't on twitter. Email me off list if you would like this information.
> 
> 
> Thank you for your time and I encourage you to participate, if you can. The passing of this bill could set a dangerous precedent for other states.
> 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> 
> Diane Wallman
> 
> 
> Assistant Professor
> Department of Anthropology
> University of South Florida
> 4202 East Fowler Ave, SOC107
> Tampa, FL 33620-7200
> 
> 
> 
> Good Morning FAS,
> 
> Participate in the Twitter Storm TODAY (Jan. 19) if you can't make the Subcommittee meeting in Tallahassee. Tweet as much as you can about your opposition to HB 803 between 12:30 and 1:30 EST. Use ‪#‎OpposeHB803 and see the attached photo for more details! (The attachment is also pasted below this email).
> If you would like to directly contact Subcommittee members, use the attached Twitter handles.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Sarah Bennett
> FAS Newsletter Editor/HB 803 Updater
> 
> ***********************************************************************************************
> #OpposeHB803 Twitter Storm
> When? Tuesday, January 19 from 12:30pm to 1:30 pm Eastern Time
> Why? On November 30, 2015, Representative Charlie Stone of Ocala introduced
> 
> House Bill (HB) 803 relating to isolated historic and archaeological artifacts recovered in Florida by private individuals on state lands. The bill currently has nine cosponsors (Representatives Baxley, Grant, Latvala, Murphy, Perry, Pilon, Plasencia, Smith, and Van Zant). An identical bill has been filed in the Senate (SB1054).
> 
> HB803 and SB1054 create a permit process that allows people to remove artifacts from state owned submerged lands using handheld excavation equipment to dislodge them. This is currently illegal under state law. Unlike the previous Isolated Finds Program that was redacted in 2005 based on evidence of widespread noncompliance, the current bills provide for the transfer of ownership of the recovered artifacts. The Division of Historical Resources is provided the opportunity to inspect, photograph and analyze the artifacts, but it is required to provide detailed information on site areas to be avoided. Currently site location information is exempt from Florida Sunshine Laws due to its sensitive nature and the propensity for looting to occur on known sites.
> 
> The Florida House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee will discuss the bill tomorrow at their 1:30 pm meeting. Our Twitter Storm will occur the hour before to GET THEIR ATTENTION that we are PAYING ATTENTION even if we cannot be there in person. To coordinate those that oppose HB803/SB1054 on Twitter and to make #OpposeHB803 a trending topic. To get the attention of the subcommittee members before their meeting on the bill.
> 
> What is a Twitter Storm?
> You tweet out as many unique messages from your Twitter account, being sure to use #OpposeHB803 and the twitter handles of the subcommittee members.
> 
> Example Twitter messages appear below. The more we fill up the Twittersphere
> with our #OpposeHB803 hashtag, the better our chances of making it a trending topic.
> 
> Remember, Twitter is a global public platform people take notice.
> 
> What do you need to do?
> 
> Registerfor a Twitter handle if you do not already have one
> 
> Remember Twitter messages have to be 140 characters (including spaces) or less!
> 
> Tweet out as many of the example messages or ones of your own creation (be sure to use #OpposeHB803) as you can during the 12:30-1:30 time frame on Tuesday, January 19. (Don’t tweet them out before then they won’t help the hashtag trend.)
> 
> Get your friends, family members, and others that #OpposeHB803 to do the same. You don’t have to live in Florida to participate!
> 
> Example Twitter Messages:
> 
> FLA’s heritage is not for sale #OpposeHB803 @MyFLHouse
> 
> Taking artifacts from public lands for private profits needs to remain illegal #OpposeHB803 @MyFLHouse
> 
> Stop the commodification of Native American history! #OpposeHB803 @MyFLHouse
> 
> Artifacts are nonrenewable resources. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. #OpposeHB803 @MyFLHouse
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Tanya Peres Lemons
>