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Florida Gov. Rick Scott declares state of emergency over red tide

Gov. Rick Scott has signed an executive order to help the state cope with the red tide bloom.
Credit: WTSP
Gov. Rick Scott outlined his plan to keep state students safe on Feb. 23, 2013. His announcement to raise the age of buying a gun to 21 years or older came after the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency related to red tide along the Gulf coast.

On Monday, the governor signed an executive order that directed $100,000 to Mote Marine Laboratory and a half million dollars to help VISIT FLORIDA establish an emergency grant program to continue to attract vacationers who he hopes will spend money along the coast -- despite the red tide.

The state of emergency is in effect for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.

“In addition to the emergency order, I am also directing a further $900,000 in grants for Lee County to clean up impacts related to red tide – bringing total red tide grant funding for Lee County to more than $1.3 million," Scott said.

Click here for the latest red tide coverage from 10News

According to Scott, the Mote funding will allow the organization to deploy more scientists to save animals.

The governor's office said enhanced water monitoring and testing would continue to help FWC track the toxic algae bloom.

The Department of Economic Opportunity is also offering interest-free loans to help businesses reeling from red tide in Southwest Florida.

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