Why supporters from across the US are donating to the whistleblower in the Florida parks case

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – A whistleblower who was fired last week for leaking a controversial state parks plan continues to receive funding, with supporters from across the country donating cash and words of support.

WPTV spoke exclusively with James Gaddis, a former employee of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), who said he and other employees worked on the plan in “absolute secrecy.”

Now we're hearing from people supporting Gaddis that they're leaking the details of the plan and donating to a growing GoFundMe account.

Nedra Obradovich initially donated $250 to Gaddis' fundraising page.

“I followed my inner compass,” Obradovich said. “Honestly, I'd probably give him another $250.”

Gaddis said he was dismissed from the FDEP because he plans to equip nine state parks with hotels, golf courses and other projects.

WATCH BELOW: FDEP whistleblower gives behind-the-scenes insight into controversial state park proposal

Florida Department of Environmental Protection whistleblower speaks to WPTV

After suddenly losing his job, Gaddis wrote on his GoFundMe page: “I would be incredibly grateful to anyone who would like to lend a hand. Any amount is appreciated.”

The fundraising page's original goal was $10,000.

“I think he should be rewarded because he was the one who gave us the information,” Obradovich said. “Without him, we wouldn't have known.”

Gaddis has raised nearly $200,000 from nearly 5,000 donors.

WPTV

Along with the money came warm messages.

Heidi Doyle donated $10 and wrote, “You are a model of integrity and leadership.”

Peter Temple gave $25 and said, “You are a good man.”

Gaddis told WPTV there is a chance some of the money could be used for good causes.

“There's a possibility that this could ultimately become some kind of one-stop shop for charities and the like,” he said.

Most people WPTV spoke to said they were not surprised by the outpouring of support.

“It’s absolutely amazing that people have stepped forward and gone beyond his wishes,” Julie Russell said.