Environmental Activist Erin Brockovich Tours Florida's Water Crisis

Helping Communities Advocate for Change

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich and water expert Bob Bowcock toured communities throughout Florida facing ecological disasters in September 2018. The communities visited include southeastern Fort Pierce, White City, Indian River Drive, Satellite Beach, and St. Lucie County. Both Brockovich and Bowcock educated the communities on how to advocate for the changes they needed to see.

In Brevard County, water tests found cancer-causing chemicals in groundwater, reclaimed water, and sewage. The chemicals, PFOA, and PFOS, were found at astronomical levels on Patrick Air Force Base. The South Patrick Shores community has been unearthing burnt military artifacts underneath their yards' sandy soil. The cancer-causing chemicals, also known as PFAS, were found throughout Brevard County and in wildlife. With water testing positive for the chemicals and more than 800 cancer cases, surrounding areas are concerned about PFAS contamination.

In St. Lucie County, there is a high rate of an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Brockovich met with and had a private dinner with the families impacted by the deadly cancer. She also spoke about toxic blue-green algae blooms caused by Lake Okeechobee discharges affecting both the St. Lucie River and the Caloosahatchee River.

Erin Brockovich and Bob Bowcock continue to be great inspirations and mentors as these Florida communities continue their journey for a healthy and safe environment.

Erin Brockovich and water expert Bob Bowcock spoke at the Satellite Beach community meeting on September 29, 2018. Image by DP Braden

Fight For Zero Director Cheryl Jozsa asks questions at the Brevard County, Florida, community meeting with Erin Brockovich. Image by DP Braden

A father holds up an image of his daughter's brain scan, showing the audience and Erin Brockovich the unimaginable pain his family has faced due to potential toxic exposure. Image by DP Braden

Volunteers helping sign in guests at a Fight For Zero hosted community event with Erin Brockovich in Satellite Beach, Florida. Image by DP Braden

A Satellite Beach resident asking questions and voicing concerns. Image by DP Braden

Erin Brockovich showed her health map of the United States found on her website. Image by DP Braden

Stel Bailey and Dr. Greenwalt take a few minutes before the community meeting to introduce Erin Brockovich and Bob Bowcock to the stage. Image by DP Braden

Erin Brockovich with Satellite Beach High School Cancer survivors and fighters at the City of Satelite Beach community meeting on September 29, 2018 Image by DP Braden

Erin Brockovich with the Fight for Zero grassroots team

Dr. Julie Greenwalt, Erin Brockovich, and Stel Bailey

Dr. Julie Greenwalt, Erin Brockovich, and Stel Bailey

Erin Brockovich with the Fight for Zero grassroots team

Erin Brockovich with Satellite Beach High School Cancer survivors and fighters at the City of Satelite Beach community meeting on September 29, 2018 

Volunteers who helped make this community meeting a success

Interview with Knowles for Channel 13

Satellite Beach, Florida, artist Dawn Harrel and Stel Bailey in the waiting room area before the community meeting began

Satellite High School graduate Julie Greenwalt and Stel Bailey in the waiting room area before the community meeting began

Erin Brockovich with the Fight for Zero grassroots team

"We, the people, take back our voices. It's really important that the communities start speaking out and not be afraid to do it." - Erin Brockovich