Over the last two decades, the environmental crisis of Florida’s Lake Okeechobee has continued to worsen and dominate local headlines. The lake is the nation’s second largest freshwater lake, but due to years of missteps, it’s been producing massive amounts of toxic algae that have closed beaches, destroyed businesses and poisoned swimmers.

Florida might seem like paradise, but water contamination is a big problem, affecting not only the environment, but businesses and the health of the residents.

Agricultural and corporate interests have long dominated Florida legislature, despite protests from residents and a substantial threat to civilians.