MIAMI/KEY WEST, Florida, July 15 (Reuters) - Rising temperatures in Florida's waters due to climate change have sparked an extreme stressor for coral reefs causing bleaching, which has scientists concerned. Just within the last week, as the U.S. South struggles under a heat wave, NOAA has reported Florida water temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit (35 C). Coral reefs create homes for millions of species of marine life, support healthy ocean food webs and protect coastlines, experts say. Florida's coral reefs are also a tourist attraction and help support the local economy. Reporting by Maria Alejandra Cardona in Miami and Key West, Florida Writing by Matthew Lewis; editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: it's, Michael Studivan, Michael Crosby, Studivan, Maria Alejandra Cardona, Matthew Lewis, Diane Craft Organizations: MIAMI, National Oceanic, Health, Monitoring, U.S, NOAA, Mote Marine Laboratory, Aquarium, Key, Thomson Locations: Florida, Miami, Port of Miami, Key West