Martin County Press Release
August 12, 2016
As the Presidential 
candidates travel the country in preparation for the November election, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners has formally invited Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to visit Martin County and tour our deteriorating waterways. Commissioners have extended the invitation via letters sent to the candidates’ campaign headquarters and through an online petition, which is gaining support and signatures daily. In the communication, Commissioners explain why the next President of the United States must address this situation; the severity of the water crisis is immeasurable.
Commissioners describe our environment as being under assault by rapidly declining water quality and increased freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee. The billions of gallons of polluted freshwater from the Lake have harmed our delicate ecosystem and have directly contributed to the toxic algae blooms that spread throughout our water system, ultimately extending into the Atlantic Ocean and onto our beaches in June and July.
In the letters, Commissioners reviewed local actions taken to date in response to the crisis in our waterways. In July, Martin County declared a State of Local Emergency which was immediately followed by Governor Rick Scott’s Executive Order at the request of the Board. These actions were taken to protect the health and safety of the community and save our local economy and ecosystem.
In addition, Commissioners called on the Governor to formally request that President Barack Obama declare a federal State of Emergency to address the potential hazardous health, safety and welfare considerations. Commissioners also passed a historic resolution that clearly outlines the County’s immediate needs and long term solutions to address water quality issues.
The Presidential candidates were also informed of Martin County’s commitment to comprehensive Everglades restoration. Martin County is a proud partner with the federal government and the state of Florida on Everglades restoration projects that are jeopardized by sustained Lake discharges.
For the latest on water conditions in Martin County, visit www.martin.fl.us or www.facebook.com/speakupforthestlucie.