Sen. Nelson holds round table discussion on algae
Community members speak out about algae crisis
Community members speak out about algae crisis
Community members speak out about algae crisis
After being closed for nearly week, the Florida Sportsman Magazine opened its doors to the community.
Sen. Bill Nelson hosted a round table discussion Friday to listen to the community's concerns.
While many sat down at the table, demonstrators were outside holding signs that read, "Too Little, Too Late."
Demonstrator John Miller said the round table is just a political stunt.
“It’s a little irritating when you don’t see someone for six years and then they show up. We’ve seen Bill Nelson here more in the last month than in the last six years,” Miller said.
Nelson sat at the head of the table inside the Florida Sportsman lunchroom. He told the room they have a choice to make this upcoming election.
"The people of Florida have a choice between two people. That Governor Scott in the last eight years has systematically stopped, dismembered and dismantled the environment agencies of the state of Florida," Nelson said.
While Nelson was on the Treasure Coast, Scott was promoting his water project that is currently ahead of schedule.
It will reduce the water releases from the Army Corps of Engineers from Lake Okeechobee by allowing water to move south of the lake.
Drew Wickstrom, with Florida Sportsman Magazine told WPBF 25, "This is not about choosing blue or red. Right now the only troubling color is green."
"We as citizens are doing our part. The people in the city are hooking our houses up to sewer. We only water twice a week. We don’t fertilize. We are doing out part," Wickstrom said.
Governor Scott's statement in response to Senator Nelsons accusations:
“Governor Scott has invested record amounts in Florida’s environment and has stepped up time and time again when Washington politicians like Bill Nelson failed to meet their commitment to our state. Under Governor Scott's leadership, Florida established the most comprehensive nutrient pollution standards in the nation and last year, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested to help local communities transition from septic to sewer, and last year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had a near-record high compliance rate, which means businesses and facilities are following the law and preventing environmental harm. Clearly, Bill Nelson has no choice but to continue to use misleading and negative attacks in order to hide the fact that after nearly half a century as a career politician, he still has no accomplishments to run on.”