Florida declares state of emergency over toxic Red Tide
Florida’s governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency over the Red Tide algae bloom, freeing up money to help safeguard wildlife and give relief to hard-hit tourism operators.
The state of emergency covers Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties have not yet been impacted but are included as they are ‘at risk.’
The toxic bloom is the longest for a decade and now covers about 120 miles of Southern Gulf Coast coastline.
Nearly 300 tons of dead fish and sea mammals, including manatees and turtles have washed up on now increasingly-deserted beaches.
Scott’s order will also free up $500,000 for state tourism agency Visit Florida for a new marketing campaign to lure travellers to some of the worst hit areas and ‘continue to bring in the visitors’.
The Florida Wildlife Research Institute says the number of dead or stranded sea turtles is almost three times higher than normal and estimates as many as 300 have died from Red Tide toxins.
What causes a Red Tide bloom is still a mystery and $100,000 will also go to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota to ‘deploy additional scientists to assist local efforts to save animals affected,’ Gov. Scott’s office said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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