Right now, Wal-Mart is trying to build a new supercenter in Tarpon Springs, Florida -- whether residents like it or not.

It turns out the residents aren't only humans. A pair of bald eagles has recently made their nest in a tree right in the middle of the proposed Wal-Mart parking lot.

Bald eagles have fortunately been making a comeback in the United States, but they remain a sensitive species and are still protected by the Migratory Bird Act and the State of Florida.
The Tarpon Springs City Commission is meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday nights to discuss whether or not Wal-Mart's development certificate is still valid, and if the company has the right to build. Thankfully, Mayor Beverly Billiris told the St. Petersburg Times last week that "Maybe the eagle will settle the whole thing," so we know that the Commission is going to take the issue of the eagles seriously. A little encouragement from environmentally-minded supporters like you might be all it takes to save the eagles.

Help make sure that happens. Use our simple tool to send an email to the Mayor and the City Commission urging them to say no to Wal-Mart and yes to bald eagles:
http://action.walmartwatch.com/TarponSpringsFL

Even though you may not live in Tarpon Springs, your opinion is important to city officials. Tarpon Springs describes itself as 'historic, picturesque, and unspoiled,' and the city counts heavily on tourist dollars. They need to be reminded that the area will be much less attractive to tourists like you if they allow a Wal-Mart to destroy a bald eagle nest and pollute the Anclote River.

And before the eagles' nest was discovered last week, there were already major environmental concerns.

The retail giant wants to build a 204,000-square-foot store on the river banks. The increased traffic in and out of the store parking lot would lead to a huge increase in stormwater runoff, which would indirectly drain into the Anclote River and eventually into the beautiful saltwater bayous around Tarpon Springs.

Local groups, including the Friends of the Anclote and Concerned Citizens of Tarpon Springs, have already stood up in firm opposition to the project. Join them by writing to the city leaders and telling them to stand up to Wal-Mart:
http://action.walmartwatch.com/TarponSpringsFL

Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton once wrote, "If a community does not want us there, we will go somewhere else."

In communities across the country, residents have stood up to Wal-Mart and won.
Now it's Tarpon Springs's turn. Tell the City to save the bald eagles and say no to Wal-Mart:
http://action.walmartwatch.com/TarponSpringsFL

Sincerely,
David Nassar
Wal-Mart Watch