Florida Mine Eyes Lizard Turf: Skinks vs. Sand Diggers
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
CEMEX wants to expand a sand mine in Polk County, Florida, which might affect two special lizards called the sand skink and blue-tailed mole skink. They’ve asked for a permit that lets them do this while following a plan to protect the lizards’ homes. The public can share their thoughts by March 25, 2026, before the Fish and Wildlife Service makes a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
20-Year Permit Sought for Mine Expansion
CEMEX applied for a 20-year incidental take permit (ITP) to allow conversion of about 7.9 acres of occupied sand skink and blue-tailed mole skink habitat as part of a sand mine expansion on 48.2 acres within a 342.00-acre mine site in Polk County, Florida. The Fish and Wildlife Service will evaluate the application and may issue ITP number PER25313000 if the ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) permit criteria are met.
Mitigation Requirement: Buy 15.8 Acres
The applicant proposes to mitigate take by purchasing credits equivalent to 15.8 acres of skink-occupied habitat from a Service-approved skink conservation bank. The Service would require the applicant to purchase those credits prior to engaging in each phase of the project.
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