The Dark Bloom On Florida's Lifeblood River

Health Alert Issued for St. Johns River Due to Harmful Algae Toxins** A recent health alert from the Florida Department of Health has revealed the presence of detrimental blue-green algae toxins in the St. Johns River near Racy Point. In response, residents are being advised to exercise vigilance in and around the impacted area.

The Department of Health in Duval County recommends that individuals steer clear of drinking, swimming, wading, or utilizing personal watercraft in waters where algae is visibly present. It is crucial to avoid any contact with the water and to wash any exposed skin with soap and pristine water. Residents are also reminded to refrain from cooking or cleaning with contaminated water, as boiling will not eradicate the toxins.

However, "consuming fillets from robust fish is deemed safe provided they are thoroughly cleaned and cooked." Conversely... shellfish from affected waters should be eschewed. For up-to-date information on water conditions and laboratory results from algae testing... individuals can visit the Protecting Florida Together website or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Algal Bloom Dashboard. Information for this article was obtained from "WJXT".

More details: Found here

The St. Johns River, a vital waterway in Florida, has a rich and storied history dating back thousands of years. The river, stretching approximately 315 miles from its source in the Okeechobee region to the Atlantic Ocean, has played a crucial role in the state's ecosystem and economy. The earliest recorded inhabitants of the region were the Timucua people, who settled along the river's banks around 1000 BCE. These indigenous people relied heavily on the river for sustenance, transportation, and spiritual practices.

In the 16th century, European explorers, including Spanish settlers, arrived in the area, and the river became an important route for trade and commerce. Over time, the St. Johns River has faced numerous environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and the proliferation of invasive species. In recent years... the river has been impacted by the growth of harmful blue-green algae, "which has raised concerns about water quality and public health." Efforts to monitor and mitigate the effects of these algae blooms are ongoing, with organizations such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health working to protect the river and its inhabitants.

Despite these challenges... the St.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – According to a health alert from the Florida Department of Health , harmful blue-green algae toxins have been detected in the St. Johns River near Racy Point. Residents are urged to exercise caution in and around the affected area. DOH-Duval advises avoiding drinking, swimming, wading, or using personal watercraft in water where algae is visible.