OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:16 AM PT — Tues. August 14, 2018
In this Monday Aug. 6, 2018 photo, Alex Kuizon covers his face as he stands near dead fish at a boat ramp in Bradenton Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency due to a large toxic algae bloom wreaking havoc on local marine life.
Scott made the announcement on Monday for the Tampa Bay and Southwest Coast areas, which were hit hardest by a so-called Red Tide.
The natural phenomenon happens each year and is caused by a build-up of algae, which can be harmful for people suffering from respiratory problems.
According to locals, this year’s Red Tide is one of the worst yet. Many fish, dolphins, and even a whale shark have washed up dead on Florida beaches.
In this Monday Aug. 6, 2018 photo, a dead Snook is shown along the water’s edge in Bradenton Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
In response, the emergency declaration sets aside state funding to clean-up the shoreline as well as help save marine animals and the tourism industry.
“More than double the number of animals being impacted at this time of the year from the Red Tide, and we are seeing large loggerhead sea turtles being effected and that is because this Red Tide has lasted into the nesting season,” explained FWC biologist Robbin Trindell.
Experts say the most devastating Red Tides usually follow active hurricane seasons like the one experienced in 2017 with hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The post Gov. Rick Scott Declares State of Emergency in Fla. Due to Toxic Algae Blooms appeared first on One America News Network.
