Activists are headed to Washington D.C. for Lagoon Action Day. The plan is to show lawmakers the results of the discharges from Lake Okeechobee and the harmful effects it’s having.
Since the blue-green algae struck the Treasure Coast people have shown passion for ending the discharges and finding alternatives to them. Anger and frustration from the blue-green algae is fueling that fight.
A group expected in D.C. Thursday tweeted a picture before boarding a plane to the nation’s capital.
A panel discussion will include federal officials, Treasure Coast residents and community leaders.
Rep. Patrick Murphy plans to be in attendance. He was in Stuart this weekend collecting blue-green algae to take to agency officials and members of Congress.
The algae has hurt businesses and the environment. It forced the governor to declare a state of emergency in several counties. It has been reported that 54 businesses alerted the state they have suffered economic damage from toxic green algae.
Governor Rick Scott says says U.S. Small Business Administration opened a recovery center in Martin County to help. Businesses are in fishing, boating, restaurants and retail.
Rep. Murphy plans to hold a news conference Thursday afternoon.