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PORT MAYACA, Fla. (AP) — Scientists say blue-green algae appears to be blooming on the eastern side of Lake Okeechobee.
A state water management crew discovered the bloom Wednesday near the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam in western Martin County.
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Audubon Florida scientist Paul Gray tells the Naples Daily News that the new bloom is cause for concern but it's "too soon to freak out."
A sample was sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to test for toxins that can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.
Florida experienced the worst blue-green algae bloom in state history last year. That was coupled with a devastating red tide outbreak along the state's beaches that caused respiratory irritations in people and killed sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and fish.
