Tampa Bay Times will hold an ‘Inside the Investigation’ event at Good Intentions.

A special event will take place at Good Intentions restaurant in St. Petersburg on Monday evening, offering attendees an in-depth look at the Tampa Bay Times’ impactful investigation titled “Wasting Away.” This investigation was prompted by the alarming deaths of hundreds of manatees in the Indian River Lagoon, a crisis directly linked to a larger environmental issue across Florida.

A dedicated team of investigative journalists set out to uncover the factors contributing to this unprecedented die-off. Their comprehensive analysis led them to demonstrate that the manatees’ starvation is a symptom of ongoing pollution challenges that plague many bodies of water in the state. Through extensive research, they revealed that nearly one in four waterways exhibited concerning levels of harmful chemicals, underscoring the gravity of Florida’s environmental situation.

The event will feature Rebecca Woolington, the Tampa Bay Times’ deputy managing editor for investigations, who will conduct a discussion with reporters Zachary T. Sampson, Shreya Vuttaluru, and Bethany Barnes. Attendees will gain insight into the rigorous methodologies the reporters employed to piece together the narrative of the manatees’ demise. This included examining thousands of documents and analyzing millions of water quality test results from across Florida, which highlighted the ongoing threats posed by contamination.

Throughout the evening, the speakers will detail how pollutants are re-entering waterways from various sources, impacting ecosystems from the Panhandle to Miami, including significant areas in Tampa Bay. The necessity of addressing these rising levels of pollution is paramount, as it endangers both wildlife and the health of local communities.

Audience members will have the opportunity to engage with the reporters, posing questions and delving deeper into the topics discussed.

This “Inside the Investigation” event is free to the public, with Good Intentions providing a full bar and a limited food menu available for purchase. The doors will open at 6:30 PM, followed by the discussion from 7 PM to 9 PM. Good Intentions is located at 1900 1st Ave. S in St. Petersburg, and no reservations are required for participation.

For those interested in understanding the pressing environmental issues facing Florida’s waterways and their impact on local wildlife, this event promises valuable insights and a chance to engage with the investigative team at the forefront of this critical issue.

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