This crisis is finally getting some real attention! On June 29th, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 16-155 declaring a state of emergency in Martin and St. Lucie Counties following the presence of algal blooms in local waterways. The Executive Order will allow state and local governmental agencies to take swift action to mitigate the spread of algal blooms in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries by redirecting the flow of water in and out of Lake Okeechobee. Governor Scott is also directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to take specific actions to address the issues caused by blooms. Governor Rick Scott said, “Today, I am declaring a state of emergency in Martin and St. Lucie Counties to expedite water storage projects to alleviate the proliferation of algal blooms. The order also allows the South Florida Water Management District to reduce the flow of water into Lake Okeechobee through additional water storage projects. In addition to our Executive Order, I am calling on the federal government to speedily approve permits for our dispersed water management programs. I am also asking DEP and FWC to take actions to address the issues caused by algal blooms in South Florida waterways, including developing a hotline for residents to report algal blooms and deploying teams of additional staff to more rapidly survey and sample areas impacted by blooms. To see the Executive Order, Click Here: http://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/16155.pdf Since then many regional and national media outlets have begun coverage on our issue. Here are just a few: July 1st on Good Morning America! The news story discussed the recent state of emergency declared by Gov. Rick Scott, and how tourists are cancelling hotel and vacation bookings at alarming rates. July 1st ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/army-corps-reduce-lake-flows-fueling-florida-algae-40271392 June 30th ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/federal-action-sought-florida-coastline-tainted-algae-40243364 June 30th NBC News: http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/state-of-emergency-declared-as-algae-blooms-invade-florida-waterways-716336195893 "I would describe them as guacamole-thick. And it stinks," said Gabriella Ferrero, spokeswoman for Martin County. "We need to repair 75 years of diking and draining, but that takes time," Bill Nelson said. He called on Florida's Legislature to spend money approved by state voters for environmental projects such as purchasing land around Lake Okeechobee for water storage instead of diverting the funds to pay for administrative costs. Rubio is scheduled to visit the area Friday. When Gov. Rick Scott declared a state emergency for the area Wednesday, he blamed the federal government for neglecting repairs to the lake's aging dike that's considered one of the country's most at-risk for imminent failure. On Thursday, he amended the emergency declaration, adding Lee and Palm Beach counties. Palm Beach County is located directly south of the existing emergency area, while Lee County is located on Florida's Gulf coast. Chaney, the Central Marine receptionist, said Scott should visit the area, even if he gets criticized. "He needs to come see it himself and stop being a coward," she said. (source: ABC News) I hope we see more than finger pointing, and quickly. Our estuaries, our tourism, and our home cannot afford to delay actions and enacting substantial long term ecological protections above simple corporate greed. Our votes, and our collective voice have the power to force our politicians to act. Share this petition with everyone you know and network with, and we will make a difference. Thank you, Jennifer Smith