Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils Latest Water Research Educational Video

Video Addresses Discharges from Kissimmee River & Tributaries North of Lake Okeechobee and Science-Based Water Solutions

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (February 8, 2018) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today released its sixth in a series of water research educational videos further demonstrating why following science-based research is important to securing Florida’s water future. The latest video addresses discharges from the Kissimmee River and other tributaries north of Lake Okeechobee, and the science-based solutions that policy makers are considering to mitigate these problems in the future.

The educational video highlights research produced by Florida Atlantic University – Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professor Dr. Brian LaPointe.

“I’ve spent my career studying water quality throughout the state of Florida, and this educational collaboration sheds light on the high water levels and alga blooms that followed the unusually heavy rainfalls in the winter and spring of 2016,” said Dr. LaPointe.

According to Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, there are few issues more important than water. “With six million more people expected to call Florida home by 2030, science-based solutions are the only way to ensure Florida’s water future is sustainable and provides the quality of life Floridians and our visitors deserve,” Wilson said.

Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake in the continental United States. World-class fishing has helped spur tourism around the lake in recent decades. The lake is fed by the Kissimmee River and northern tributaries, which drain nutrient-rich fresh water from a 5,000-square mile basin extending south from Orlando.

The Latest Research Educational Video Includes Interviews With Environmental Leaders, Including:

• Drew Bartlett, Deputy Secretary for Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• Ernie Barnett, Executive Director, Florida Land Council
• Paul Gray, Ph.D., Okeechobee Science Coordinator, Audubon Florida
• Scott Martin, Professional Angler and TV Host
• Larry Wright and Tom Mann, Jr., Professional Bass Fishing Guide
• Mary Ann Martin, Roland Martin’s Marina and Fishing Resort

This is the Sixth in a Series of Water Research Educational Videos. Previous Videos Include:

•  St. Lucie Estuary
• Springs
• Southwest Florida
• The Florida Keys
• Indian River Lagoon

Click here to see the complete series, or visit www.FloridaChamber.com/WaterVideos.

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.