Florida residents outraged over release of genetically modified mosquitoes
28 Apr, 2021 01:49 AM
3 minutes to read
By: Jamie Johnson
Florida residents are furious as scientists prepare to release hundreds of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes into their communities.
The experiment, led by British biotech company Oxitec, will see around 750 million male mosquitoes sent out into the Florida Keys over the next two years in an attempt to control the population of an invasive, disease carrying species which has settled in the area.
But many residents are unhappy at being part of what one group called a Jurassic Park experiment.
The first wave of the project will see thousands of mosquitoes released at six locations this week.
Florida residents in uproar as scientists prepare to release 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes
It is an attempt to control the population of an invasive, disease carrying species which has settled in the area
27 April 2021 • 5:31pm
The Aedes aegypti mosquito carries diseases that can be transmitted to humans
Credit: Joao Paulo Burini / Moment RF
Florida residents are furious as scientists prepare to release hundreds of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes into their communities.
The experiment, led by British biotech company Oxitec, will see around 750 million male mosquitoes sent out into the Florida Keys over the next two years in an attempt to control the population of an invasive, disease carrying species which has settled in the area.
Floridians mad at plan to release 750m genetically modified mosquitoes watoday.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from watoday.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Hurricane Irma relief money awarded to SWFL, state communities
Published: January 22, 2021 10:31 AM EST
Updated: January 22, 2021 3:31 PM EST
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Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Key Largo at the Murray Nelson Government Center Friday.
DeSantis announced nearly $100 million will be awarded to 24 Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Irma through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. It includes areas of Southwest Florida.
The governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and DEO Executive Director Dane Eagle.
Watch in the player below or click here.
The program helps communities fund infrastructure restoration and improvement projects in communities impacted by disasters.