This weekend, a breach occurred in a containment pond at the now-defunct Piney Point phosphate mine in Manatee County. 

State officials from the Department of Environmental Protection attempted to block the leak; however, to avoid an uncontrollable collapse and immediate flooding of nearby residencies, the DEP is currently pumping wastewater into Tampa Bay.

Right now, our top priority is ensuring the physical safety of local residents and minimizing environmental damage. If you live near the Piney Point mine and have been instructed to evacuate, please follow the orders from your local officials.  

The DEP will continue to release pressure by pumping out the nutrient-rich wastewater, which will exacerbate the threat of red tide developing. Over the coming weeks, I will be working closely with officials from all levels of government to mitigate these threats and protect our environment. 

For more information, please visit protectingfloridatogether.gov or call my office at (813) 657-7781. 

Thank you.