Aug. 30 – Sept. 5, 2024 – There were 43 reported site visits in the past seven days with 43 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at nine of the sites.
Satellite Observations
The best available satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee from 9/4 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows scattered low to moderate bloom potential primarily in the northwest quadrant of the lake and along the western and northern shoreline.
The most recent usable satellite imagery for the Caloosahatchee Estuary from 9/5 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows no bloom potential in visible portions of the estuary.
The most recent usable satellite imagery for the St. Lucie Estuary from 9/4 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows no bloom potential in visible portions of the estuary.
The most recent usable satellite imagery for the St. Johns River from 9/3 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows moderate bloom potential on most of Lake George, with scattered low to moderate bloom potential on the mainstem of the St. Johns River downstream of Lake George to Shands Bridge.
Detailed sampling
Most recent week, see Florida DEP blue-green algae report
Most recent month, see Blue-green algae statewide dashboard
About blue-green algae
In water bodies with blue-green algae, if people or animals splash or if boats create wakes, the cyanotoxins in the algae can release into the air.
The toxins mix with water droplets and spray, which is how people and animals can inhale the toxin. These toxins can’t pass through your skin easily so swallowing large amounts of contaminated water is what causes illness.
This algae is blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. Pets can become sick from blue-green algae so keep them out of those areas and away from contaminated marine animals and fish.
SYMPTOMS
For some people, blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People who are very sensitive to smells can have respiratory irritation. Sometimes, high exposures of toxin can affect the liver and nervous system.
If you come into contact with blue-green algae, get out of the area and wash off with soap and water. See your doctor if you think blue-green algae has made you sick.
CONTAMINATED WATER
Water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick—stay away from these areas.
If you see a blue-green algae bloom:
- Do not swim, wade or walk in the water.
- Do not let pets swim or go near the water.
- Rinse fish with tap water. Discard guts.
- Do not use water from area for drinking or cooking.
- Do not eat shellfish.
SWIMMING
Don’t swim in or around blue-green algae.
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE AND FISH
Fish tested from water with blue-green algae show that cyanotoxins don’t accumulate much in the edible parts — muscle or fillet — of fish, but can in other organs. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water. Throw out guts. Cook fish well.
More from Florida Rambler: The Florida Red Tide Report
Bob Rountree is a beach bum and camper who has explored Florida for decades. Bob and his wife Kathy live in South Florida and roam the Sunshine State in their RV with kayaks and bicycles on board. A retired news editor for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross in 2010.