Sixteen rallies took place across the state today to push state legislators to clean up Florida waterways.
One was in Tampa, where environmentalists and elected officials came together to sign a declaration claiming Florida citizens' right to clean water. Activists say phosphorus, nitrogen, and other pollutants are entering bodies of water through farm and urban runoff, making the water unsafe to use.
Clean water is still an issue in Florida because of uncoordinated regional efforts have failed, Frank Jackalone of the Sierra Club Florida chapter said.
"We cannot win this battle unless we unite together and we come together as a statewide force," Jackalone said.
State House representative Mark Danish said that clean water will be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session.
"I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that we do everything we possibly can and as much money goes into preserving water and getting fresh water and keeping the water clean as is absolutely possible," Danish said.
Activists from Tampa and across the state will visit the capital on February 18 to urge policymakers to take immediate action and impose stronger water regulations.
