March 24 – March 30, 2023 – There were 10 reported site visits in the past seven days with 10 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at five of the sites.
Satellite imagery from 3/30 shows scattered low bloom potential on Lake Okeechobee, primarily along the shorelines, with the strongest signal in the northern portion of the lake. Satellite imagery from 3/30 for the Caloosahatchee Estuary shows low scattered bloom potential in the upper portion of the estuary. Satellite imagery from 3/30 for the St. Lucie Estuary shows no bloom potential in visible portions of the estuary. Satellite imagery from 3/30 for the St. Johns River shows scattered low bloom potential on visible portions of Lake George and on the mainstem of the river downstream from Lake George. 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 3/27-3/28, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff collected harmful algal bloom (HAB) response samples at three locations. Dominant algal taxa and cyanotoxin results follow each waterbody name.
• Georges Lake – Center: Microcystis aeruginosa; microcystins estimated to be 2.6 parts per billion (ppb).
• Georges Lake - Boat Ramp Rd: Microcystis aeruginosa; 3.4 ppb microcystins detected.
• Caloosahatchee River - Franklin Lock Upstream: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
On 3/23, St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) staff collected HAB response samples at two locations and routine HAB monitoring samples at four locations.
• Bull Creek - Boat Ramp: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Stick Marsh - North (STKM): Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Blue Cypress Lake - Center (BCL): No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Lake Monroe - Center (LMAC): No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR): Planktolyngbya limnetica; 0.41 ppb cylindrospermopsin detected.
• Newnans Lake - Center: Results pending.
On 3/30, Orange County collected a HAB response sample from Lake Ola – NE Shore. Sample results are pending.
Last Week
On 3/22-3/23, DEP staff collected HAB response samples at eight locations.
• Lake Glenada - Boat Ramp: Microcystis aeruginosa; trace level (0.10 ppb) microcystins detected.
• Blue Lake: Microcystis aeruginosa; microcystins estimated to be 1.1 ppb.
• Lake Placid - Boat Ramp: Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii co-dominant; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Lake Cherokee - SE Shore: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Lake Maitland - Kraft Azalea Garden: Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii co-dominant; no cyanotoxins detected.
• Lake Osceola - Canton Ave: Microcystis aeruginosa; trace level (0.14 ppb) microcystins detected.
• Lake Virginia - Dinky Dock: Microcystis aeruginosa; trace level (0.31 ppb) cylindrospermopsin detected.
• Lake Baldwin - Fleet Peeples Park: Microcystis aeruginosa; microcystins estimated to be 1.9 ppb.
On 3/23, Orange County staff collected two HAB response samples at two locations.
• Caywood Pond - SW Dock: Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae co-dominant; trace level (0.57 ppb) microcystins detected.
• Lake Speer - NW Lobe: Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum sp. co-dominant; microcystins estimated to be 1.0 ppb.
On 3/23, SJRWMD staff collected a routine HAB monitoring sample at Lake Washington - Center (LWC). No dominant algal taxon and no cyanotoxins were detected.
Results for completed analyses are available at FloridaDEP.gov/AlgalBloom.
This is a high-level summary of the sampling events for the reported week. For all field visit and analytical result details, please refer to 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 staying out of water where algae is visibly present as specks or mats or where water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with algal bloom-impacted water or with algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.
Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email?
Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Learn More