JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you live in northeast Florida, chances are you’ve spent some time on the water.
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Local mom Kimberly Sanchez said she lets her four kids go out on the water with their father and she avoids the river.
She explained: “I’m scared of anything touching my feet, my legs. All the green algae, I just can’t do it.”
St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman said reports of toxic algae blooms started coming in extremely early this year.
She told Action News Jax she expects them to stick around because of the weather.
According to Rinaman, “Warmer water and then, when you have sunlight and warmer temperatures, it makes the conditions perfect for a toxic green algae outbreak.”
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In April, Action News Jax’s Beth Rousseau took a sample of algae residents were worried about on Lake George.
Rinaman said it appeared to be blue algae that was dying off.
She said they’ve seen blooms from Lake George all the way to Julington Creek.
The riverkeeper explained the toxins can have short and long-term impacts.
She described: “They can cause skin reactions, as well as respiratory stress … High exposure can impact your liver. There’s neurotoxins that can impact your nervous system.”
Rinaman recommended steering clear of any green slime floating in the water.
Sanchez said she would keep her kids far away from any algae.
You can report any algae that you find to the St. Johns Riverkeeper website.
Cox Media Group
