The effects of the red tide in Florida

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The effects of the red tide in Florida

 

September 23rd, 2020

 

The effects that the red tide has on both the citizens of Florida and the marine life is often overlooked. Here are some facts about the red tide that impacted Florida in 2018.

 

- The 2018 red tide was the longest in recorded history.

 

- Hundreds of marine animals died including dolphins, turtles, and fish.

 

- Residents that lived near the beach at that time reported having respiratory issues.

 

- The tourism industry in Florida was greatly impacted.

 

The main theme of my project was to gain more public awareness about the devastating effects that the red tide has on Florida. I made a detailed brochure to present facts to the public and show them why we should be looking for more solutions to mitigate the effects of the red tide.                

 

Proximity (Pezullo and Cox, 2018) is an extremely integral part of this topic because this issue affects anyone that lives near the beach, or visits the beach for any reason. Audience Identification (Pezullo and Cox, 2018) was important as well to ensure that this information is reaching the right people. I decided to hand out my pamphlet at select public beach accesses, as well as Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. I thought this would be the best way to disseminate the information by using audience identification  because anyone that goes to the beach is who I’m trying to reach.

 

I created 50 pamphlets, the first one I designed was not very appealing but with some time and hard work I was able to craft something more appealing to the eye. I was able to disseminate 20 pamphlets at Pier 60, with a few isolated instances in public where I thought someone might be interested in looking at the pamphlet. I’m happy with this result especially considering the dangers of COVID-19 right now. I also discovered so many resources that can be utilized regarding the red tide which is included in my pamphlet. 







First version of pamphlet: 





References: Wei-Haas, M. (n.d.). National Geographic. Red Tide Is Devastating Florida's Sea Life. Are Humans to Blame?. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/08/news-longest-red-tide-wildlife-deaths-marine-life-toxins/


Angers, A. (n.d.). Spectrum News | Bay News 9. State, Environmental Group To Revamp Red Tide Information. Retrieved September 7, 2020, from

http://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/07/27/state--environmental-group-to-revamp-red-tide-information


Robert, C., & Pezzullo, P. (2015). Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere. SAGE Publications, Inc.




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