Activist Erin Brockovich in Stuart to take on toxic blue-green algae
Tyler Treadway
Environmental activist Erin Brockovich took on blue-green algae in the St. Lucie River on Sunday.
More:Erin Brockovich: 'I'm not going away' from fight against toxic algae in St. Lucie River
Brockovich appeared at a news conference with U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, and announced support for his bill to stop harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie for health reasons.
More: Congressman wants residents' health factored into discharge decisions
Brockovich, who inspired a 2000 Academy Award-winning film bearing her name because of her work exposing how a power company was contaminating a California town's well water, will later have a private dinner with St. Lucie County families impacted by a possible cluster of brain cancer cases.
More: TCPalm's complete coverage of the algae crisis
She's also scheduled to get a private briefing Monday from Audubon Florida on issues facing Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
Eleven people living in or near the 34982 ZIP code, which includes southeastern Fort Pierce, White City and Indian River Drive, have contracted glioblastoma, a rare, aggressive and often deadly form of brain cancer.
More: Feared cancer cluster has Fort Pierce residents, experts baffled