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March 14-March 20, 2025 – There were seven reported site visits in the past seven days with seven samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at four of the sites.

Satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee from 3/20 shows scattered low to moderate bloom potential, primarily on the northern end of the lake but also at very low density around the perimeter of the lake.

Satellite imagery for the Caloosahatchee Estuary from 3/20 was partially obscured by cloud cover and shows a no significant bloom potential.

Satellite imagery for the St. Lucie Estuary from 3/20 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows an area of low bloom potential spanning the South Fork of the St. Lucie River into the upper estuary.

Satellite imagery for the St. Johns River from 3/20 shows scattered low to moderate bloom potential on Lake George and the mainstem of the St. Johns River downstream to Jacksonville.

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 3/17-3/20, Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff collected six Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response samples. Dominant algal taxa and cyanotoxin results follow each waterbody name.

Blanton Lake — South Lobe: Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.

Lake Marian — Pavilion: Microcystis aeruginosa; an estimated 7.1 parts per billion (ppb) of microcystins were detected.

Lake Butler — West Shore: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.

Lake Winnott — 147 Bakers Acres Drive: Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae co-dominant; a trace level (0.93 ppb) of microcystins were detected.

Lake Bonny — Boat Ramp: Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.

Lake Hancock — Southeast Corner: Results pending.

On 3/19, St. Johns River Water Management District staff collected one routine HAB monitoring sample at Lake Washington — Center. The sample had no dominant algal taxon and had no cyanotoxins 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.

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Last Modified: Friday, Mar 21, 2025 - 01:15pm