Central Florida pipeline protest moves to Duval County Courthouse

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Those fighting construction of a natural gas pipeline through north central Florida protested again Thursday, this time outside the Duval County Courthouse.

About a dozen people held signs reading “Unite for water“ and “Stop Sabal Trail," the name of the pipeline project being built from Alabama through Georgia and into Florida.

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The demonstrators also handed out letters to people passing by, the same letter activists delivered to the office of Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, asking him to respond to 90,000 signatures on a petition against the pipeline.

The companies behind the pipeline -- Spectra Energy, NextEra and Duke Energy -- said it will provide power for millions,  but these activists say it is killing wildlife, and if it leaks, it could contaminate the entire state's water supply.

"Today is about protecting our water supply for our children," demonstrator Doreszell Cohen said. "I'm a mother of eight and, hopefully, we will leave our Earth habitable for our children long after we have moved on."

This group planned to hold its protest outside of Nelson’s office, but when they were not allowed on property, they moved it to the courthouse. They said the fight against the pipeline will continue.