Scott Declares State of Emergency Over Toxic Algae Bloom on Florida Coast

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in response to the impacts of red tide in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The Executive Order 18-221 will provide significant state funding to local governments and research agencies, and allowing the rapid movement of resources to local communities in response to red tide impacts in Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Red tide is a naturally occurring algae that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840’s and occurs nearly every year. This summer, however, the bloom has overrun Florida’s southern Gulf Coast, devastating sea life and driving people from the water, affecting businesses and tourism.

Red tide can be harmful to people with respiratory problems and has spread throughout the Gulf of Mexico, drifting in the water since it began in October. Stretching about 150 miles (240 kilometers), it’s affecting communities from Naples in the south to Anna Maria Island in the north and appears to be moving northward.

The governor’s executive order allows for certain resources now being deployed, including:

• More than $100,000 in additional funding to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to increase its response to red tide impacts. This funding will help Mote Marine deploy additional scientists to assist local efforts to save animals affected by the naturally occurring red tide, including manatees, dolphins and sea turtles.
• Making additional biologists and scientist available to support local government’s response to red tide and protect wildlife – this is in addition to the staff deployed by Scott.
• Continuation of enhanced water monitoring and testing by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to give scientists the best possible data to work with.
• Direction for VISIT FLORIDA to begin developing a marketing campaign to assist Southwest Florida communities that will start following this year’s red tide blooms. VISIT FLORIDA will also create a $500,000 emergency grant program to assist local tourism development boards in counties affected by the naturally-occurring red tide.
• Additional aid from the Department of Economic Opportunity with business assistance, including interest free loans and an enhanced presence in Southwest Florida.

Scott has also directed a further $900,000 in grants for Lee County to clean up impacts related to red tide – bringing total red tide grant funding for Lee County to more than $1.3 million.

“While we fight to learn more about this naturally-occurring phenomenon, we will continue to deploy all state resources and do everything possible to make sure that Gulf Coast residents are safe and area businesses can recover,” Scott said.

Source: Office of Florida Governor Rick Scott

Topics Florida