A local state of emergency was declared Tuesday in Martin County due to the algae situation impacting the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.

County commissioners said this declaration will clear the way to move forward with grants and mitigation efforts.

"Allows us to apply for and accept grant dollars without the normal process that could take up to six weeks," said County Ecoystem Manager John Maehl.

The Martin County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting Tuesday morning to discuss water quality in the county.

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A packed house was at the meeting inside the Martin County Administrative Center located off SE Monterey Road in Stuart.

"13 years I've been doing this. When are we going to make a difference," said Mary Radabaugh who spoke during public comment.

The meeting was an opportunity for the public to speak with commissioners about what they are seeing on the county waterways.

County staff along with U.S. Rep. Brian Mast spoke at the event.

A county spokeswoman said Department of Environmental Protection was represented along with staff members from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Bill Nelson.