Center for Biological Diversity

For Immediate Release, August 20, 2021

Contact:

Krizia López Arce, Krizia@fcvoters.org
Carson Mitchell, Carson@fcvoters.org

Chispa Florida to Hold Red Tide Press Conference With Latinx, Environmental Advocacy Groups

Speakers Will Talk About Lasting Impacts of Water Pollution, Environmental Justice

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— On Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., Florida Conservation Voters’ Chispa Florida program and Latinx and Indigenous community leaders will host a press conference and day of advocacy. The event will share how red tide is affecting our communities' water on the west coast of Florida. Dirty water disproportionately impacts the physical and mental health of communities of color as well as the economy and environment.

The consequences of pollution have lasting impacts. Florida must act urgently to address environmental injustice with the stories of the people and the communities who are impacted by the climate crisis at the forefront.

What: “Red Tide Alert” press conference, day of action.

When: Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m.

Where: Vinoy Park and Mole (near the water), 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Who: Maria Revelles, program director, Chispa Florida; Alicia C. Norris, Florida Indigenous Rights and Environmental Equality (FIREE); Jaclyn López, Florida director, Center for Biological Diversity; Russ Conn, Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida; Cramer Verde, LULAC Florida Chapter; Eliseo Santana, Puerto Rico Connect; Linda Perez Luna, Boricuas de Corazón, Inc.; Dr. Sonja Brookins, Soil & Water Conservation; Neddy Astudillo, GreenFaith; CLEO Institute; La Mesa Boricua de Florida.

Chispa Florida, a community organizing program of Florida Conservation Voters, builds the power of Latinx, Black, and communities of color to protect our rights to clean air and water, healthy neighborhoods, and a safe climate for generations to come.

Florida Conservation Voters engages people in our democracy and elects lawmakers who protect our environment and healthy communities for everyone. We envision a state government that reflects the people it serves and lawmakers who vigorously fight for policies that protect our environment and create a healthy, sustainable future for all Floridians.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.7 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

center locations