Poor water quality on Sanibel Island poses a significant threat to its economy. The state is investing over a billion dollars to restore the Everglades and improve water quality.
“Water quality is the lifeblood of our economic vitality here on Sanibel and Captiva,” said John Lai, CEO and president of the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce.
Lai emphasized that the investment in water quality is not wasted money.
“It’s the best ROI you can get,” said Lai.
WINK News spoke exclusively with Daniel Andrews, president of Captains for Clean Water. He highlighted the critical connection between the Everglades’ health and the economy.
“The Everglades is the lifeblood of life in South Florida,” said Andrews. “Whether you’re in the tourism industry, whether you’re in real estate, whether you own or rent property here in South Florida, you are impacted by the health of the Everglades.”
Andrews pointed out a significant concern with water quality when Lake Okeechobee releases unclean water, affecting Southwest Florida.
“The more water we can get cleaned out of Lake Okeechobee and sent through the Everglades, the more it’s protecting our drinking water supply and the coast,” said Andrews. “This provides a key piece of tourism’s $120 billion a year economic impact.”
Lai also stressed the broader implications beyond financial losses.
“It’s more than just the dollars,” said Lai. “It’s the 43,000 jobs lost during that time, and then the $17.8 billion in property values that go along with all that. It’s more than just dollars and cents. It’s also people and quality of life.”
Efforts continue to improve water quality and build a prosperous community on Sanibel Island.