Harmful algal blooms like red tide have always taken their toll on Florida, but in recent years they’ve been undeniably worse. In 2018, a red tide bloom killed 2,000 tons of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and species of fish valuable to Florida fishers. This bloom caused an estimated $8 million in business losses in the state. In addition, red tide blooms have the potential to make people extremely ill, often with flu-like symptoms that last for days and that can be much worse for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. These algal blooms attack the essential things that make Florida the state that it is: its economy, its coasts, and its people.

            This problem will only get worse because the state government, led by Ron DeSantis, refuses to do what needs to be done to stop it. They throw millions of dollars at unproven mitigation and clean up, but do barely anything to enforce nutrient pollution laws, giving industrial polluters a free pass. If we, the constituents, don’t hold DeSantis and the Florida government accountable for this lack of action, red tide will worsen, more fish will die, the economy will suffer, and people will get sick, and Floridians will bear the burden.

            Sign the petition. Tell Ron DeSantis you will hold him accountable. Help lessen the impact of red tide in Florida.