In 2018, Florida saw the worst red tide it's experienced in decades.  Millions of marine animals from fish and crabs to dolphins, sea turtles, and even a whale shark were killed by the toxic algae called karenia brevis.  This algae is naturally occurring, but usually is in small amounts for a limited time.  Due to human behavior leading to excess nutrients, these excess nutrients are like steroids for the algae and apocalyptic blooms like that of 2018 happen and destroy ecosystems as well as economies. 

These toxic blooms are a result of human behavior such as the spraying of glyphosate, overdevelopment leading to partially treated waste spills, and increased amounts of stormwater runoff that carry nutrients from impervious surfaces straight to the oceans.  The results are damaged ecosystems, dead wildlife, and suffering economies all while elected officials pay lip service to their constituents and tout bills that do absolutely nothing to protect Florida's fragile ecosystems.

There is hope, especially in 2020 as more and more environmentally-focused people are stepping up to run for office.  This episode of Threads of Commonality is spent with Andy Mele as he discusses his journey toward the Florida House in District 71.

Andy has spent a lifetime fighting and winning huge victories for the planet, especially in the battle for protecting water.  He has a master’s degree in environmental science, concentrated in environmental economics and policy. He is author of Polluting for Pleasure, the book that led directly to the extinction of twelve million two-cycle outboard motors, ending discharges equivalent to 5 Exxon Valdez oil spills each year into American waterways. He was Executive Director of Clearwater, the Hudson River environmental group formed by folk singer Pete Seeger in 1966, and won the 30-year battle with General Electric over its massive PCB spill in the Hudson. He was recently ED of Suncoast Waterkeeper, working for protection of coastal ecosystems, to halt phosphate strip mining and untrammeled development in Florida, and to bring red tide back to pre-development levels. 

In this episode, get to know Andy and be sure to spread the word about his campaign.  The state of Florida absolutely needs this environmental warrior.  He will be on the ballot in November.

Website: www.AndyMeleForFLHouse.com 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Andy-Mele-for-FL-Housecom-111586250578284/

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