PAHOKEE The bloom spread like an aging bruise at the Pahokee Marina this month, turning green goo on the water’s surface to shades of teal as cyanobacteria cells broke open, releasing toxins 100 times higher than what’s considered harmful to humans.
In the nooks and crannies along the edges of Lake Okeechobee, algae-sensing NOAA satellite images tell a similar story or show there’s potential for a blue-green algae bloom as summer days stretch and temperatures warm.
On Wednesday morning, Florida Department of Environmental Protection water test results from the marina came back showing 860 parts per billion, or ppb, of the toxin microcystin – a potent poison that can kill pets that swim in it and cause respiratory, skin and digestion problems in humans. A mid-April toxin reading of 120 ppb was measured at Port Mayaca.
5 hours ago by Jessica Meszaros (WUSF)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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The FWC says that over the past week, fish kills were reported in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, and respiratory irritations were also recorded in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Manatee counties.
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Fish kills were reported in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, and respiratory irritations were also recorded there, along with Manatee County.
Toxic red tide algae blooms remain in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, with Collier County joining them.
DOH-Lee lifts health alert for blue-green algae at Alva Boat Ramp
Published: April 30, 2021 5:20 PM EDT
Updated: April 30, 2021 6:51 PM EDT
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The Florida Department of Health in Lee County lifted a health alert at Alva Boat Ramp based on water sampling results from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after DEP conducted sampling in the area and did not detect the presence of microcystin toxins.
When toxins are detected, DOH recommends individuals using the boat ramp avoid contact with the water. DEP will continue to monitor the Alva Boat Ramp and post updates on their website.
Blue-green algae can cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed. Children and pets are
Stevenson and Tanaka know that the infrastructure that holds the land, water, air, and the earth’s living creatures in a delicate balancing act has begun to dangerously sway.
It is what they offer to steady the environmental pyramid and to teach others to participate that has gleaned them recognition and praise.
Reading through the letters of recommendation for the award, 80-year-old Jim Stevenson’s and Tara Tanaka’s plaudits include dozens of laudatory letters from conservation organizations across Florida.
One could believe they are a compilation of the accolades of three or four people, not just two: The Florida Wildlife Federation, The Wakulla Springs Alliance, Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservancy, Apalachee Land Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy, Florida Springs Institute, and the Apalachee Audubon Society all speak with high gratitude for their efforts.