Environmentalists in Martin County are using President Obama’s visit to Florida to get out a message. The River Warriors are leading two protests regarding Lake Okeechobee discharges.
After extremely visible algae bloom in the St. Lucie River over the past week, members of the group are asking the President to buy sugar land south of Lake Okeechobee to help stop discharges.
The group took a boat out on the St. Lucie River Friday evening and held up signs in front of Florida National, the golf club where President Obama will be playing Saturday. Even though he hadn’t landed in the area yet at the time of their first protest, group members say they’re trying to spread the word that they want his help.
“We’re here because we’re begging President Obama to pay attention,” said Marjorie Shropshire, who serves on the Indian Riverkeeper board. “I think he’s the only one at this point that can really help us out, and I would love for him to acknowledge that there’s a problem here.”
The group also plans to hold up their signs at the South Old Palm City bridge Saturday morning.