Palm City Bridge is one of three locations along the St. Lucie River by the Florida Department of Health in Martin County. It has been flagged as having toxic blue-green algae.
Martin County boaters say their days of enjoying these waters are over.
“We don't touch the water. We don't put our feet in when we take the boat in or out,” said Palm City boater Erika Maglione.
“We stay out of the water as much as we can,” said rower Howard Mason of Stuart.
“It actually made me boat less here,” said Stuart rower Glen Taylor.
Boaters are heeding a warning from the Florida Department of Health about a toxic blue-green algae outbreak found Friday in parts of the St. Lucie River.
The Martin County, Florida, Health Department announced that blue-green algae toxins were found in the St. Lucie Canal at the 96th Street Bridge, the St. Lucie River at Four Rivers, and the St. Lucie River at the Palm City Bridge.
“It can cause neurodegenerative diseases,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It can cause liver damage. It can also cause breathing difficulties.”
She said this was a serious public health concern, adding that there was no need for direct contact with the water to be at risk.
Jackie Mason is concerned about health problems associated with toxic algae.
“Years ago, my husband and I both got sick from the water,” Jackie Mason said. “I don't want to do that again.”
The Army Corps of Engineers said the water release caused Take a break for 2 weeks It starts this weekend. But given Friday's health alert, Samples hopes discharges will hold off for much longer than that.
“Do you think this two-week water suspension is enough?” WPTV reporter Cassandra Garcia asked Samples.
Mr Samples replied: “Not at all. Two weeks off is just the beginning.” “To protect the public and protect the environment, we need to extend the relief period and keep the gates closed, preferably until June 1st, and much longer than two weeks after that.”
Mason and others said these spills have destroyed the clean estuary they once knew.
“The first year we were here, people were swimming in this river,” Howard Mason said. “Now we won't touch this river.”
For now, they're holding out hope that the Army Corps of Engineers will stop sending water to the east once and for all.
The Martin County, Florida, Health Department urges people not to drink, swim, walk, or use water containers in bodies of water with visible algae blooms. It also recommends washing your skin and clothing if you come into contact with algae.
See Health Warnings below for a complete list of recommendations.
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