Algae at the Port Mayaca Lock & Dam this week was nearly three times more toxic than the minimum level at which the federal government deems it unsafe.
Samples taken Monday on the floodgates west side measured 22 parts per billion of microsystin, a toxin sometimes found in cyanobacteria, more commonly called blue-green algae, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
At 8 parts per billion, microsystin makes water too hazardous to touch, ingest or inhale for people, pets and wildlife, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Florida Department of Health office in Martin County Friday issued an avoid-water advisory for the Port Mayaca area and has posted warning signs, spokesperson Renay Rouse said.
Impact fee changes headed to Florida House, Senate - Orlando Business Journal bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
FORT PIERCE The Indian River State College Class of 2021 will celebrate its accomplishments with drive-in ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the college announced.
Graduates will cross the stage May 3 and 4 to receive their diplomas while friends and family wait by their cars, and attendees will hear from commencement speakers U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, and state Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Stuart.
Ceremonies will be held at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.
For students who prefer a virtual ceremony, the college will stream a third commencement, May 5 on YouTube. Graduates photos and their accomplishments will appear on the screen when their names are called, officials said.
State leaders call on Biden to fund Everglades restoration keysnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from keysnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
U.S. Rep. Brian Mast calls on Army Corps to permanently end Lake Okeechobee discharges
Lawmakers says water releases unnecessary for flood control
Jon Shainman, WPTV
Posted at 2:51 PM, Apr 05, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-05 17:00:32-04
MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. â Blue-green algae was detected near the St. Lucie Lock last week, prompting a
South Florida s rainy season is still a few months away, and many are wondering if this could be an ominous precursor for the upcoming summer.
Lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday to eliminate freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie Estuary.