"The year of 2018 was a difficult one for the green industry, and set the stage for a difficult 2019. While there were a few victories, it will mostly be remembered for the intense coverage of the harmful algae blooms (HABs) around Florida during the year. Occurrences of blue-green algae and red tide rightfully generated enormous public concern about Florida's water quality and the prospects for economic and human-health impacts. Unfortunately, much speculation and blame ensued, with particular emphasis on the degree to which urban fertilizer runoff may be contributing to these events. That these events coincided with an acrimonious election season characterized by blame politics made for a less-than-constructive atmosphere for movement toward answers, much less solutions", according to the FNGLA.
"This recap is not intended to recap all of that - you have no doubt been subjected to an avalanche of media and other reports. However, it is worth noting some of the more recent related and upcoming actions which may be a factor in where things are headed."
Several local governments in Florida pushed forward with various public policy initiatives in 2018 related to perceived adverse effects of urban runoff. Here are a few highlights.