Florida Chamber Release First in Series of Educational Water Videos Featuring FAU-Harbor Branch Research Professor Dr. Brian Lapointe

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2016) – As part of its ongoing efforts to help secure Florida’s future, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today released the first in a series of educational videos solely focused on ensuring Florida’s water future is sustainable and provides the quality of life Floridians and visitors deserve.

Securing Florida’s Water Future: Indian River Lagoon

Together, with FAU-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professor Dr. Brian Lapointe, this series of educational videos focuses on science-based water quality solutions– starting first with the Indian River Lagoon.

“When it comes to securing Florida’s future, there are few issues more important than water,” said MARK WILSON, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber. “With six million more people expected to call Florida home by 2030, science-based data is key to meeting the challenges Florida faces.”

The video, Securing Florida’s Water Future: Indian River Lagoon, features the following water and environmental leaders:

• Clay Henderson, Executive Director, Stetson University Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience
• Dan Pennington, Planning Analyst, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
• Todd Kincaid, PH.D., Hydrogeologist, GeoHydros
• Donna Rhoden, Public Information Manager, Port St. Lucie Utility
• Nat Reed, Former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and National Parks
• Doug Smith, Commissioner, District One, Martin County

“I’ve spent decades studying water quality throughout Florida, including nutrient pollution and harmful algae blooms,” said Dr. Brian Lapointe, FAU-Harbor Branch Research Professor. “This project with the Florida Chamber allows me and my colleagues an opportunity to share this research so the public can better understand how human activities are impacting Florida’s water resources.”

Economies across the state rely on water, an abundant resource in Florida. Water issues affect these areas economically and scientific steps should to be taken to prevent and counteract this side-effect of water pollution, a point Dr. Lapointe stresses in a Bottom Line interview with the Florida Chamber.

For more information, yisit the Florida Chamber’s water solutions page.

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