Heading into the 4th of July weekend, businesses in Martin County are in trouble during what should be one of their busiest times of the year.
Many water sports stores and rental companies are closing their doors temporarily because it's not safe to send customers out into the algae plagued waters.
"We've advised them that unfortunately you can't use the water," says Ed Stout, owner of South River Outfitters. "We've had to turn them away and they're going other places. They're still going to do their events, they're probably just going to do them in Jupiter or Fort Pierce."
The Jupiter Outdoor Center, which rents out paddle boards and kayaks is feeling the influx.
"We're seeing an uptick in calls and visits," says manager Rob Hoffman.
Hoffman says anyone planning on being on the water in Palm Beach County during the 4th of July weekend should make rental plans early to beat the crowds.
"We're encouraging people to make reservations, especially with the problems up north," Hoffman says. "Everyone that wants to get on the water and enjoy the clear blue water and the Florida lifestyle will be coming here to Jupiter or south, so we'll be real busy."
Meanwhile Stout says he's lost around 50-percent of his business.
"A lot of us are hurting from two years ago," Stout says."We had problems two years ago with the same thing, and then last year we had problems with bacteria, so it's tough to make a living these days."
City leaders in Stuart are encouraging people to still make plans there for the 4th of July to support struggling waterfront restaurants and businesses.
"It's more important than ever for us to continue to support and market our tourism," says Stuart Main Street's Executive Director, Thondra Lanes. "It is more important than ever for us to continue to promote the benefits of shopping local. These businesses are not only small and mom and pop owned and locally based, but they take that money and put it right back into the economy."
Stuart's annual 4th of July fireworks show will be held despite the state of emergency.
