U.S. Polluting the Gulf of Mexico

July 01, 2008

July 1, 2008

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

ISSUE: Pollution stains Gulf of Mexico.

Oil drilling isn't the only concern Floridians should harbor about the Gulf of Mexico.

A recent study by the Clean Water Network of Florida found enough raw sewage, failing pipes and sporadic inspections along the gulf side of the state to turn a once pristine environmental asset into what many are now calling "Florida's toilet."

Instead of balmy beaches, today's coastal reality can be summed up in two words — "red tide," which has produced its fair share of dead fish, sick sea turtles, bloated manatees and inedible oysters. The algae bloom not only crippled what's left of the state's commercial fishing industry, but threatens tourism.

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For more information on Tides Center project Clean Water Network of Florida, see www.cwn-se.org.