algae bloom

By analyzing nine years of data, Florida researchers confirmed what other scientists, activists, fisherman and others have observed anecdotally for years.

Researchers will look to sediments for information on past blooms and what they can tell us about today's events.

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

Whether or not researchers discover brevetoxins in the pesky flies, the results are expected to be scientifically relevant.

State wildlife officials say in their midweek report that toxic red tide blooms, which originally started in Southwest Florida, continue to spread north.

The pet's family had been boating on a canal that had algae toxin levels nearly three times higher than what is considered harmful to humans.

High concentrations of red tide were reported in Pinellas County in the Gulf of Mexico at Madeira Beach, and along Bay Pines and Abercrombie Park on Long Bayou.

Blue-green algae blooms become more common in Florida lakes during the summer and early fall. That's when temperatures are high, days are long and storms flush nutrients into the water.

A red tide bloom in the Gulf has reached the coast as far north as Pinellas, causing fish kills and respiratory irritations, according to state wildlife officials.

The Orange County Health Department advised residents to not drink the water or go swimming or boating in it, or let animals near it.