An economic case for restoration
Here’s the problem: Lake Okeechobee discharges harm local economies, tourism and real estate. Let’s break that down.
🏝️ Tourism damage: $2.62 billion in lost revenue from red tide in 2018
🏡 Real estate damage: $1.95 billion in potential property value losses in Lee and Martin Counties (2013 blue-green algae blooms)
🐟 Local businesses feel the pain: $75.75 million lost in 2018 from red tide in Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach
🧹 Cleanup costs: $7.4 million annually spent on small business losses, real estate impacts, and direct cleanup
Here’s the solution: Rescue the River of Grass! Everglades restoration not only saves money, it makes money. Using revenue from voter-approved Amendment 1 funds, the State of Florida should buy the land needed to prevent harmful discharges and restore the flow of clean water to the Everglades.
