Pinellas County is getting some help from the state as it continues the cleanup from red tide.
Commissioners have accepted a grant of more than $1 million to help pay for the removal of dead fish.
On Thursday, many Pinellas County beachgoers were breathing a sigh of relief.
“The water is perfect. It’s amazing. It’s perfect,” said one beachgoer.
“No evidence of red tide. The water looks great so it looks just fine,” said another visitor.
Pinellas County invested a lot of money to keep these beaches pristine.
Since last Friday, the county removed 86 tons of dead fish and red tide debris, at a hefty price.
“We’re over $300,000,” explained Pinellas County Environmental Management Director Kelli Levy.
So commissioners approved a new grant agreement with the state to pay for the red tide cleanup.
The grant, provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, reimburses the county up to $1.3 million.
“Without this funding, the costs would be borne by the taxpayers here locally so this helps us alleviate some of those costs,” said Levy.
This $1.3 million grant will help pay for cleanup that is done between Aug. 31 and Dec. 1.
This funding is going to be a huge help to Pinellas County, but everyone is hoping this red tide crisis ends soon.
