Piney Point is causing PR problems for tourism
Dan Matics reports
PALMETTO, Fla. – – While Florida DEP says the water is safe, the pictures of sewage that flows in Tampa Bay is not a look that makes people come here.
Small businesses and tourism promoters are now battling a PR problem.
The DEP has tested water in several places and says that Water is drained near Piney Point is non-radioactive and meets all marine water quality standards except there is too much phosphorus, nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen.
The main concern is that nutrients in the water could fuel algal blooms like red tide.
Steve Hayes, director of Visit St. Pete Clearwater, says there is a lot of bad information on social media. He says the main misconception is that the water is radioactive.
“What we need to do is present the facts – here is what is happening, how we know and deliver it [the public] this information. ”
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Dawn Hollar manages the Anna Maria Island Dream Inn and says they are trying to spread the word that the water is safe.
“The phones are off-hook,” Hollar told FOX 13. “Lots of concerned people who want to make sure their vacation isn’t affected by what is going on on the bay.”
READ: What is Piney Point? A history of the former location of the phosphate plant
Much of the problem is perception. Not a drop of oil washed ashore on the beaches of Tampa Bay during the BP oil spill, but tourism was devastating. Hayes says it’s hard to tell if that’s what they’re dealing with now.
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