The Sunshine City and its sparkling waterfront parks recently became the center of Tampa Bay's red tide crisis. Rafts of dead fish were washing ashore quickly, and workers picked up tons of dead marine life from the coastline in recent weeks.
Scientists continue to detect high levels of Red Tide through the bay and in the gulf, with no sign of immediate relief on the horizon. "It's here. It's bad. And there's not much we can do other than make sure we're all communicating well," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Director Eric Sutton told the Tampa Bay Times. "There's no signs that necessarily it's going to be coming to an end soon, but I've learned enough not to try to predict Red Tide either."
Innovation District member, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have established a page dedicated to obtaining more information about the Red Tide. Visit Red Tide FAQ | FWC (myfwc.com)
There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation.
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
Even with an extra day in the month, I am running late with the February newsletter. Its been a busy and exciting time. Last Tuesday we announced a new project - Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy.