MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced funding for a new red tide task force that will research innovative ways to combat the algae blooms, before it starts.

  • Task force includes scientists, environmentalists around Florida
  • Gov. DeSantis says goal is to find red tide solutions

DeSantis explained that the task force, under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, consists of scientists and environmentalists from around the state.

"We are going to continue to push forward to find solutions," said DeSantis. 

So far, the task force received $4.8 million to research the algae blooms, and will continue to receive $3 million every consecutive year. 

This is all part of a $680 million plan to clean up and research the harmful effects of red tide. 

"There are going to be a lot of great people serving on this task force, and we look forward to seeing what they can do," DeSantis said. 

The group is set to meet sometime in September.