SARASOTA, Fla. — Mote Marine announced on Monday plans for the country’s first red tide institute. $1 million was donated by Sarasota County couple Andrew and Judith Economos.
“I was always frustrated that the emphasis was on forecasting and predicting, I was always more interested in solutions,” said Andrew Economos.
The money will give Mote Marine a dedicated red tide research team.
“It will allow us to have the best and brightest from all over the world,” said Dr. Michael Crosby.
Crosby said the emphasis will be on researching red tide and finding ways to destroy the algae bloom.
Crosby said the researchers will work with other researchers from all over the world.
Mote leaders are hoping to start seeing research results by the end of next year. The Economos’ are hopeful their donation will help stop future red tide outbreaks.
“This should be the nicest place in the world to live, why would you want to be somewhere else,” said Andrew Economos.
