News & Public Affairs

Stopping toxic algae blooms in Florida's waterways; and new information on allegations that Vern Buchanan may Have funnelled money illegally to his Congressional campaigns

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Tags: David Guest, Earth Justice Foundation, Marco Rubio, Vern Buchanan, nutrients, water pollution, campaign contributions

First up this afternoon - According to the Florida Independent, "Several members of Florida’s Republican congressional delegation sent a letter last week to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, urging her to withdraw what they called the agency’s “job-killing” water regulations in Florida."

The “nutrient criteria,” which were mandated under the Bush administration, aim to place stricter limits on phosphorus and nitrogen, which lead to algal blooms and fish kills in state waterways.

Citing ...

Plastic flamingos, St. Pete officials unite to fight proposed pro-fertilizer industry law listen

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Tags: fertilizer ordinance, Tallahassee, nutrients, waterway health, pollution, 2011 Legislative session, St. Pete City Council, St. Petersburg

In recent years, cities throughout Florida have been banning use of certain fertilizers with the hope of curbing water pollution. Now, the state legislature is pushing through a law that would limit local control over fertilizer use. Today St. Petersburg became the latest city to pass a resolution opposing that bill.

The front lawn at St. Petersburg City Hall went kitsch this morning ahead of the City Council meeting. Dozens of pink plastic flamingos covered the small rectangle of grass. I...