Welcome!
MDEC is a newly-forming chapter of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida. We support local and state candidates, lawmakers, legislation, issues and businesses that preserve, protect and enhance Manatee County and Florida natural resources.
We are organized to
· Help elect environmentally responsible Democrats
· Monitor local and state environmental legislation
· Be a resource for information and technical/scientific expertise
· Encourage environmental stewardship at all levels of government
Become a Member
Beautiful Manatee County. We have much to lose. Join us in our efforts to elect leaders who will protect it.
We meet monthly on the third Thursday at 6 pm at Manatee County Democratic headquarters (check ManateeCountyDemocrats.com/events to confirm).
Hope to see you!
Manatee Democratic Environmental Caucus
Bob McCaa, President
Jane Sellick, Vice President
Water Quality
Florida DEP Reports Persistent Blue-Green Algae Blooms
DEP is monitoring persistent algae blooms in the St. Johns and Caloosahatchee Rivers. What to do? Report blooms in fresh water to the Department of Environmental Protection: 855-305-3909. Report fish kills or stranded wildlife to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 800-636-0511 (fish kills) or 888-404-3922 (wildlife alert).
For weekly updates from the DEP: floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom
Better Leadership Needed at All Levels
Gov. Desantis recently appointed a task force to study the root causes of toxic algae blooms in Florida. The more difficult work will be to implement policy changes to control future blooms. The Republican-led Legislature has a history of avoiding regulation of polluters and 2019 was no exception. More details from Sarasota Herald-Tribune: http://bit.ly/2VqkffG and TC Palm: http://bit.ly/30585rt
Algae Reported in Sarasota Intercoastal Waters
Residents reported a foul-smelling algae in Sarasota County, which was reported to be a different strain of blue-green algae. More details in this Herald-Tribune article: http://bit.ly/30i2T3I
The fear of another massive red tide looms. Research and committment from city, county, state and federal levels of government is needed.