Florida: Gov Rick Scott declares state of emergency for red tide outbreak
Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for seven southwest Florida counties because of the effects of red tide, a toxic algae bloom devastating the coast of the Sunshine State.
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The declaration for Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties will provide money and resources to combat the problem from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys.
“Biologists and scientists (will be made) available to assist in clean-up and animal rescue efforts,” Scott said in a news release.
Florida’s tourism agency will receive $500,000 to create an emergency grant program to help communities promote travel to the affected areas.
Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota will receive $100,000 to help with animal rescue.
A month ago Scott declared a state of emergency for Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties on both coasts of South Florida because of freshwater blue-green algae outbreaks from Lake Okeechobee water discharges.
In Lee County, the red tide outbreak has caused the death of thousands of fish. Just in August, county workers and contractors have pulled more than 2.7 million pounds of dead fish.
Scott faces increasing pressure from critics as he seeks Bill Nelson’s seat in the Senate.
