On Feb. 18, Everglades Earth First! blockaded construction of a power plant in south Florida. Supported by 200 protesters, a dozen people locked down, halting construction for six hours until police arrested 27 people.

The West County Energy Center (WCEC) site, which sits a mere 1,000 feet from the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, is slated for a massive, 3,800 MW Florida Power and Light gas-fired electric plant. In spite of ongoing legal challenges, the facility is already under construction.

“We just don’t need this plant,” said Lynne Purvis of Everglades EF!. “I’m not willing to threaten the integrity of the Loxahatchee, one of the last large, intact pieces of northern Everglades, so that people can fuel their greedy energy desires.”

Everglades EF! has promised to continue its direct-action resistance to the power plant and adjacent gas pipeline.

Read the full press release and see photos of the action here.