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County Administrator's Report 9. 25.

BCC Regular Meeting

Budget & Finance Consent

Meeting Date:	01/23/2020
Issue: University of West Florida Water Quality Assessment
From:	Chips Kirschenfeld
Department:	Natural Resources
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the University of West Florida Water Quality Assessment for Vibrio Abundance - J. Taylor "Chips" Kirschenfeld, Director, Department of Natural Resources Management

That the Board approve and authorize the County Administrator to sign the Contract for Services Agreement with the University of West Florida (UWF) for $60,000 relating to a water quality assessment of Vibrio abundance.

Funding source is Tourist Development Tax (Fund 108, Cost Center 360105).

BACKGROUND:

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacillus bacteria that only affects humans and other primates. Vibrio bacteria are found in warm, shallow, coastal salt water in temperate climates throughout most of the world including the Gulf of Mexico and the East and West Coasts of the United States. Vibrio are also found in the gut of oysters and the intestines of fish that inhabit warm, shallow, coastal salt water. Vibrio can cause acute gastroenteritis from eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Among healthy people, ingestion of Vibrio can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Vibrio can also cause necrotizing wound infections and can enter the body through open puncture wounds from the spines of fish such as stingrays or catfish. Vibrio is 80 times more likely to spread into the bloodstream in people with compromised immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease.

The spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of Vibrio in coastal inland waters has not been well documented. This project’s assessment of local waters will provide a better understanding of the abundance and distribution of Vibrio for the benefit of tourists and citizens who recreate in Pensacola and Perdido Bays.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

Funding source: Tourist Development Tax (Fund 108, Cost Center: 360105).

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

The County Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the Contract for Services Agreement.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

Board Policy II.B.8.

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

Department of Natural Resources Management staff will manage this project.

Attachments
UWF Contract