Is algae at marina being fed by sewage?

Posted 4/28/21

The reason for this letter is to give you some facts that are being conveniently over looked …

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I am anchor

Is algae at marina being fed by sewage?

Posted
Some of you are new to me and some of you are old friends. The reason for this letter is to give you some facts that are being conveniently over looked. Some 20 years ago the City of Pahokee, realizing it was the only city directly on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, undertook a multi-million dollar project to develop our marina and campground.
 
This project was near and dear to me as mayor. Sadly those that came after me did not give a rat's ass and the marina was allowed to deteriorate into its current state. Equipment has been stolen -- particularly the sewage equipment to pump out the boats. Add that to the lines leaking and over the years this has led to a well documented environmental health issue.
 
This sad state of affairs has now been hijacked by groups that have a personal agenda against the sugar industry. Notice how they never say agriculture. I am 66 years old and every summer Lake O turned green with algae. We swam in it , wWater skied in it, and we eat the fish out of it. 
 
So when you take the wispy sheets of algae and you literally feed it sewage in the marina, it grows out of control. Fresh water is it's natural habit  so when it gets to a saline environment like the coastal marinas  just imagine what it's feeding on there! Pahokee Marina is just like the coastal marinas -- crap in the water!
 
The beaches are closed due to FECAL CONTAMINATION a hell of a lot more than toxic algae.
 
We have  serious water quality issues in Florida and those groups that are using them to raise donations and further their war with the sugar industry are hindering and not helping. If you pay close attention, these same groups never mention runaway development and oil exploration moving into the Everglades. Also they never mention the Tribes that call the Everglades home.  There is a reason they are a one trick ponies.
 
All I am asking is you report the facts -- not just the catchy sound bites.
 
Like the Door Mouse said "Feed your head."
 
Thank you for your time ,
 
J.P. Sasser
Former Mayor of Pahokee

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