ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The St. Johns Riverkeeper has reported a significant algae bloom on Doctor's Lake in Clay County, and says other blooms have been spotted near Green Cove Springs, in Goodbys Creek, near NAS Jacksonville, in Fruit Cove and in Julington Creek in St. Johns County.
Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman took a sample at Doctor's Lake Marina Wednesday morning and said the Clay County Health Department was expected to put out a public health advisory urging people to avoid coming in contact with the algae.
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Hot, dry weather creates optimal conditions for algae blooms, which are a natural phenomenon, but their frequency, duration and intensity are increased by an overabundance of nitrogen and phosphorus, particularly when the water is warm and the weather is calm.
A massive toxic algae bloom in the summer of 2005 was the subject of a documentary, "The Green Monster," that examined the causes and the impact of the bloom on our environment, economy and health.
News4Jax is learning more about the current algae bloom. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.