ELEVEN MILE CREEK ALGAE BLOOM

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a health alert for toxins in surface waters of Escambia County, produced by blue-green algae. Testing by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection showed low levels of toxins in Eleven Mile Creek downstream of the Mobile Highway bridge. Blue-green algae can grow in Florida’s freshwater bodies and large concentrations can change the water color to blue, green, brown, orange, or red. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Algae blooms can remove oxygen from the water and cause fish kills and can be dangerous to humans and pets.