In order to maximize profits, Big Sugar uses massive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides containing nitrates and phosphates, which find their way into Lake Okeechobee. These chemicals create environments where blue-green algae thrive. Big Sugar farms block natural water flow from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades. When there are heavy rains, like we've had this year, the excess water has to go somewhere, so the Army Corps of Engineers releases water into the St. Lucie River. That algae-polluted water makes it way to our South Florida shores, causing all kinds of problems. Florida relies on water for jobs, tourism, agriculture and recreation….