LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Lee County leaders are asking another county to stop more phosphate mining. Desoto County wants to open 26,000 acres in the northwest part of the county to mine phosphate.

Lee County Commissioners are sending the chairman of the Desoto County board a several-page letter outlining objections. The letter warns chemicals from mining could get into the Peace River, flow through Charlotte Harbor and eventually along the southwest coast - polluting the waters of the Lee Barrier Islands.

In the past, Lee County has joined lawsuits against phosphate mines. There has been threat of legal action in this case.