Pollutants discharged by industry may endanger aquatic organisms and 

 human health. 



Extensive new industrial developments may cause fiscal problems for local 

 governments. During early phases of construction and operation, local 

 tax deficits may occur because of increased population and demand for 

 public service prior to any increase in property tax revenue. In the 

 long run, economic gains from increased property tax revenues are likely 

 to more than compensate for any early financial deficits. 



GENERAL RESOURCE CHARACTERISTICS 



Although Northwest Florida is rich in natural resources and provides 

 numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits, its bays, estuaries, 

 wetlands, and beaches are subject to intense urban development and growth. 

 Good living and recreational benefits are dependent upon freshwater recharge 

 of the wetlands, maintenance of high water quality and biological productiv- 

 ity, storm protection, flood control, and mineral resources. 



COASTAL ESTUARIES AND WETLANDS 



Coastal freshwater rivers and levees serve as a reservoir to store water, 

 to recharge groundwater aquifers, and to provide a hydrostatic head that pro- 

 tects groundwater supplies from saltwater intrusion. Freshwater inflow regu- 

 lates the salinity balance in the productive coastal estuarine systems. 



Brackish emergent wetlands function as natural water filters. They help 

 maintain water quality and reduce the adverse effects of urban and agricultur- 

 al runoff on coastal waters and they are particularly efficient in absorbing 

 and filtering out sediments, particulates, nutrients, and organic materials. 

 Filtering helps build and maintain highly productive estuarine systems — 

 systems that provide breeding and nursery grounds and food supplies for a vast 

 array of fish and wildlife. The majority of the income from Florida Gulf 

 fisheries is from estuarine dependent species; consequently, maintaining the 

 quality of wetlands, estuaries, and nearshore waters is of high priority. 



a 



Coastal wetlands provide a buffer against storm surge and flood waters by 

 dissipating wave energy and storing flood waters. Barrier islands also serve 

 as natural buffers, protecting mainland areas from the full force of storms. 



RECREATION, TOURISM, AND INDUSTRY 



The recreational value of Northwest Florida is of considerable economic 

 and social importance to the region and the State. Tourism is the leading 

 industry in Florida, and the coast of Northwest Florida is a major tourist 

 attraction in all but the coldest months. Tourism is important because it 

 supports considerable commercial and economic development. 



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