If ever a picture was worth a thousand words, the one above from an article in the New York Times captures a bizarre situation in the waters off the Florida east coast. For the past few months, decaying algae has forced officials to close down beaches and businesses along the shores of some counties on Florida’s […]
If ever a picture was worth a thousand words, the one above from an article in the New York Times captures a bizarre situation in the waters off the Florida east coast.
For the past few months, decaying algae has forced officials to close down beaches and businesses along the shores of some counties on Florida’s Treasure Coast, and points south.
The area is directly east of Lake Okeechobee, where the bloom, and disaster, started, when the Army Corps of Engineers discharged water to lower the lake, flushing the ooze with it.
WPTV, the Scripps-owned NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, focused on the problem with reports in every newscast this past Monday, July 18, and aired a 30-minute special, Algae Crisis, as well.
The special, Algae Crisis, scored a 7.1 Household rating, according to the station. WPTV will air the special again this Saturday night at 7:30.
“In the WPTV newsroom we’ve had countless conversations about whether or not there is a broad enough impact and appeal to be going so big with our coverage,” said Christine Baron, WPTV’s creative services director.
“This story affects everybody,” said Mike Machi, WPTV’s assistant news director.
“Why? Because there are health risks to this toxic bloom. There is a financial hit on our industries. There’s a lot of blame to go around and if you’re on that list, we’re holding everyone accountable. In partnership with TC Palm and Treasure Coast Newspapers, we’re asking what can be done right now and what must be done to prevent future crisis.”
Helicopter video clearly shows the water and the green ooze pouring from the dam at Lake Okeechobee.
“The video captured from Chopper 5 says so much more than words can express,” said Baron.
“It’s a view that will literally stop you in your tracks. We’re fortunate to have the only local helicopter in the DMA. It’s a powerful tool to help further along our storytelling. For the people of South Florida to actually see the algae bloom spreading from the sky, it’s daunting. But everyone needs to see it. It’s a very serious issue and WPTV is here to use all our resources, to help make a difference.”
Click here to see the special section on WPTV’s website devoted to this coverage.
Click here to see an interactive map showing the locations and toxicity levels of the algae.
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