South Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) co-lead a bill to enhance coral restoration efforts in South Florida. The Conserving Our Reefs Along Lower (CORAL) Florida Act would create a new $5 million grant program to states, local municipalities, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations including the Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys, to carry out coral restoration efforts. 

"South Florida’s coral reefs are crucial to our vibrant coastline, support our rich and diverse marine life and aquatic ecosystem, and attract millions of tourists to our great state," said Rep. Gimenez. "Proud to work on this bipartisan effort to ensure Florida’s reef managers, scientists, and conservation organizations have the resources they need to carry out their critical mission of saving our reefs."

“Florida’s coral reefs support diverse marine life, protect our coastlines from flooding, and help attract millions of visitors and billions of dollars in economic impact to our state,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Ensuring the health of our beautiful coral reefs is not a partisan issue, it’s a Florida issue, and one with global health implications. I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to restore South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.”

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He is the first career firefighter paramedic elected to the House of Representatives and served as the former Fire Chief of the City of Miami and Mayor of Miami-Dade County. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.