Toxic algae Florida: Activist Erin Brockovich coming to Fort Myers in Oct.

The News-Press

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich will come to Fort Myers on Oct. 3 to weigh in on the red tide and toxic blue-green algae crises, according to a California-based water consultant who often travels with her to help with environmental investigations.

An itinerary for Brockovich's visit wasn't available Thursday.

The consultant, Bob Bowcock, was in Satellite Beach on Florida's east coast earlier this week for a roundtable discussion with local, state and Patrick Air Force Base officials about recent and past drinking water and groundwater pollution concerns.

More:Environmental activist Erin Brockovich speaks out on Southwest Florida's algae crisis

This was in preparation for Brockovich and Bowcock to return to Satellite Beach on Sept. 29 to hold a community meeting about pollution that could be increasing that area's cancer risk. Details for that visit are pending.

Brockovich also plans several stops throughout Florida, including areas hit by recent toxic algae blooms, Bowcock told Florida Today last month.

Brockovich, who inspired the award-winning 2000 film that bears her name and stars Julia Roberts, already is raising her profile in the Sunshine State through social media.

Bob Bowcock discusses his plans. Satellite Beach city officials held a closed door round table meeting Monday afternoon with Bob Bowcock with Integrated Resource Management, Inc., who is in town meeting with officials and residents discussing the recent health and cancer concerns in the city. Bowcock works closely with Erin Brockovich.

In a Facebook post one week ago, Brockovich posted, "Yes, Florida ... I will be there to stand with you – seeking the TRUTH!"

Southwest Florida continues to grapple with a nearly year-old outbreak of red tide in the Gulf that moves around to various shorelines.

Compounding the crisis: For extended periods since early summer, blue-green algae has flowed from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River and to nearby marinas and estuaries.

These algal blooms have killed tons of fish, turtles and other sea life, triggered respiratory irritation and coughs in humans, and scared off tourists — jeopardizing a lifeblood tourism and hospitality industry that accounts for the jobs of an estimated 1 in 5 residents of Lee County alone.

More:Erin Brockovich associate vows to help find cancer answers