STUART, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Martin County Tuesday morning at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center to announce the launching of a new online resource that will allow the public to find out current water quality numbers and projects.
The site, Protect Florida Together, is billed as a “one stop shop” multi-agency tool for transparency in the state’s effort to improve its water quality.
The website highlights ongoing environmental projects that the state is working on, and allows public to check the water quality status of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and the Caloosahatchee River/Estuary.
Initially the site will cover South Florida water projects but eventually extend to others across the state.
The site also offers a place where the public can volunteer for environmental projects in their area.
Along with the state of Florida, DeSantis said the site is a collaboration between NOAA and the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection.
At Tuesday's announcement, DeSantis was joined by first lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees and Chief Science Officer Dr. Thomas Frazer and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast.
The governor praised his wife as a driving force in the project.
“Our family is growing. We have a 2-and-a-half year-old and an 18 month old and ... we have a little one on the way. So, one of the things that I have really had a passion for are the families across the state who deserve transparency and accountability as it pertains to water quality and what that means to their health,” said Casey DeSantis.
First Lady @FLCaseyDeSantis and @GovRonDeSantis announce The launch of a new online resource: https://t.co/jv1Z5SV8oO where people can check their water quality status, learn about water quality, become a volunteer and stay informed. @WPTV @FOX29WFLX pic.twitter.com/igwHB3yZsT
— Janny Rodriguez (@JannyReports) November 5, 2019
