WHAT:
Southwest Florida tourism, businesses, waterways and beaches have been impacted by harmful algal blooms and Red Tide outbreaks which result in fish kills, health concerns and negatively affect our local economy, outdoor lifestyle, and property values

WHEN:
2019 Florida legislative session

WHERE:
Southwest Florida, including but not limited to, Pelican Bay, Collier County, Big Cypress Basin, Lake Okeechobee, and the Everglades which are all part of the South Florida Water Management District

WHY:

1. Clean water is essential to the future of Southwest Florida
2. Tourism, Southwest Florida’s primary economic driver, is at risk
3. Property values are at stake
4. Personal Health is threatened      

HOW:                
Do something by signing this petition which urges our Florida elected state officials to pass legislation and fund identified measures to reduce harmful algal blooms and the spread of Red Tide.  These include:

• Enabling enforcement of local fertilizer ordinances
• Requiring periodic septic tank clean-outs
• Completing reservoirs and treatment areas to contain and cleanse contaminated discharges from Lake Okeechobee (C-44 along St. Lucie river and C-43 along Caloosahatchee river)
• Funding and constructing the planned reservoir and treatment area South of Lake Okeechobee
• Tightening and enforcing nutrient standards in Florida waterways and expanding water quality monitoring (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)