TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida Democrat running for the U.S. Senate is coming under fire for seeking a delay in the opening of a center that would help businesses hurt by a massive algae outbreak.
The administration of Republican Gov. Rick Scott made public on Wednesday an email that shows that an aide to U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy asked the U.S. Small Business Administration "hold the announcement" of a business recovery center so Murphy could announce it at a press conference.
The Scott administration opposed the request and the business recovery center opened on Wednesday. It is offering loans to businesses located in counties hurt by the massive algae bloom that has shown up in rivers, streams and beaches.
Murphy is seeking the seat now held by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
The Tampa Bay Times first reported the contents of the email.