February 12 - February 18, 2021 – There were nine reported site visits in the past seven days (2/12 – 2/18) with eight samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by the samplers at four of the sites. The best available satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries from 2/18 showed no bloom potential on visible portions of Lake Okeechobee. No significant bloom potential was observed in either estuary. Satellite imagery for the St. Johns River from 2/18 showed no bloom potential on Lake George or visible portions of the St. Johns River. Please keep in mind that bloom potential is subject to change due to rapidly changing environmental conditions or satellite inconsistencies (i.e., wind, rain, temperature or stage).
On 2/15, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff collected a sample from Lake Holden – 90 Meters South of Lake Holden Point and Lake Conway. Both samples were dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa, and trace levels of microcystins (0.67 parts per billion [ppb] and 0.30 ppb, respectively) were detected.
On 2/16 and 2/17, St. Johns River Water Management District staff collected samples from Lake Washington – Center, Lake George – Center and Crescent Lake – Mouth of Dunns Creek. None of the samples had a dominant algal taxon and no cyanotoxins were detected.
On 2/17, DEP staff visited Bear Creek – Mango Ave, Lake Bradford – Western Shore and Round Lake. No sample was collected at Bear Creek – Mango Ave. Neither the Lake Bradford – Western Shore nor Round Lake sample had a dominant algal taxon or cyanotoxins detected.
On 2/17, Orange County staff collected a sample from Lake Anderson – Northwest Corner. The sample was co-dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystis wesenbergii. Trace levels of microcystins (0.92 ppb) were detected.
Last Week
On 2/9 and 2/10, South Florida Water Management District staff collected samples from Lake Okeechobee at eight sites: KISSR0.0, LZ2, L005, POLESOUT, RITTAE2, LZ30, PALMOUT and CLV10A. Cyanotoxin results follow each station in parenthesis: KISSR0.0 (0.28 ppb); LZ2 (non-detect); L005 (non-detect); POLESOUT (non-detect); RITTAE2 (0.84 ppb); LZ30 (non-detect); PALMOUT (0.77 ppb); and CLV10A (non-detect). Stations RITTAE2, LZ30, PALMOUT and CLV10A were dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa, while all other stations had no dominant algal taxon.
On 2/11, DEP staff collected samples from Lake Minnehaha – 75 meters south of Lakeshore Drive, Lake Minnehaha –130 meters southeast of Highway 561 and Lake Sloat. The Lake Minnehaha – 75 meters south of Lakeshore Drive and Lake Minnehaha – 130 meters southeast of Highway 561 samples were dominated by Dolichospermum circinale and had no cyanotoxins detected. The Lake Sloat sample was dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa and had no cyanotoxins detected.
This is a high-level summary of the sampling events for the reported week. For all field visit and analytical result details, please refer the complete algal bloom map with data table by clicking the “Field and Lab Details” Quick Link from the Algal Bloom Dashboard. Different types of blue-green algal bloom species can look different and have different impacts. However, regardless of species, many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins that can make you or your pets sick if swallowed or possibly cause skin and/or eye irritation due to contact. We advise to stay out of water where algae is visibly present as specks, mats or water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with the algal bloom-impacted water, or the algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.
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