A toxic green algae bloom in freshwater systems and a red algae tide spreading along Florida’s gulf coast are playing a key role in Republican efforts to unseat incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, The Hill is reporting.
Nelson, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent, Gov. Rick Scott, are focusing on the potentially devastating impact of the algae.
Fish are dying as a result of the algae and emergency beach closures are being ordered. And experts say the uncontrolled spread of the algae is the worse in Florida’s history and could impact the state’s tourism industry, according to The Hill.
As governor, Scott declared a state of emergency this month freeing up $1.5 million to deal with the algae. But he still must convince voters he is enough of an environmentalist to tackle the issue, The Hill noted.
“Florida Republicans have long been more environmentally conscious than Republicans in other places because people move here for the environmental assets,” said Susan McManus, a Florida political analyst. “But the algae bloom has elevated the environment tremendously in Republican-rich Southwest Florida.”
McManus said Scott needs to attract Democratic voters, many of whom supported Nelson in the past, without alienating Republican electorate.
Meanwhile, Nelson regularly criticizes Scott for slicing budgets or the state's water boards and Department of Environmental Protection.
And in an ad released this month, Nelson said Scott caused the “algae bloom crisis,” The Hill noted.
Aside from killing thousands of fish, the algae is also responsible for causing respiratory irritation in people in six counties along Florida’s southwestern coast, CNN reported.
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