Daryl Hannah Joins Climate Protest in Florida, Arrested During Wetlands Demonstration
Feb. 17, 2026 ET — Actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah was detained Tuesday after taking part in a demonstration opposing wetlands development in Florida. The action, part of a larger campaign by conservation groups, underscores Hannah's sustained commitment to climate and habitat protection.
What happened at the demonstration
Local law enforcement officers arrested Hannah after she, alongside several other activists, blocked access to a construction staging area adjacent to a protected wetland. Organizers said the protest aimed to halt earthmoving work they say threatens sensitive ecosystems and water quality. Officers cited trespass and obstruction charges for several participants; those arrested were processed and released following standard booking procedures.
Witnesses described a peaceful demonstration that escalated when security personnel asked the protesters to move. Hannah, who has a long public history of nonviolent direct action, remained on site and engaged with officers before being taken into custody. Arrests at environmental protests in the region have drawn increased scrutiny from activists and local residents concerned about habitat loss and flood risk.
Hannah’s history of activism and broader context
Hannah has been involved in environmental causes for decades, frequently participating in protests aimed at pipelines, drilling and development projects. Her presence at this Florida demonstration comes as state and local governments face mounting pressure to balance development with protections for wetlands, which serve as crucial buffers against storms and are important for biodiversity.
Supporters at the scene praised Hannah’s decision to join the protest, saying that celebrity participation can help amplify attention to community and environmental concerns. Opponents of the protest argued that development is necessary for local jobs and infrastructure. The dispute highlights a familiar tension that plays out in many coastal and wetland-adjacent communities as sea-level rise and regulatory debates intensify.
What’s next
Legal representatives for some of the arrested demonstrators said they expect charges to be minor and that they will seek to resolve matters quickly, either through arraignment or dismissal. Activist groups have announced plans for further demonstrations and community meetings to discuss alternatives to the contested development plan.
Hannah did not issue a public statement immediately after her release, but organizers indicated she plans to remain engaged with the campaign. The incident may renew attention on local permitting decisions and prompt renewed calls for environmental impact assessments and transparency from developers and officials.
Filmogaz will continue to monitor reactions from local officials, environmental advocates and the parties involved as the situation develops.
