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Algae keeps people indoors for July Fourth weekend

Posted at 4:37 AM, Jul 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-05 07:14:51-04

Blue-green algae is ruining what's supposed to be a fun-festive weekend on the Treasure Coast.

On a weekend of red, white and blue, there's only one color people are seeing.

RELATED: More toxic water coverage | MAP: Algal blooms in Florida

"All is green. No red, white and blue," says Eric Morton of Palm City.

Morton looked out at a sea of green in the canal behind his home, which is keeping him and his neighbors indoors this holiday weekend.

"Listen, look around nobody is entertaining. Nobody is doing anything on the side of the water. I don't even see any pool parties," said Morton.

At a different location, it was the same story for Joan Sundheim.

"We worry about the children falling into the water, the pets falling in. You wouldn't even see them anymore if they fell in," said Sundheim.

The algae has ruined the Fourth of July for so many people. Swimming was shut down at some beaches, businesses were closed in downtown Stuart and wildlife is visibly struggling through the green mess.

One former Martin County commissioner is going as far to compare this to another crisis in our country.

"If they don't do anything when they know it's a problem, then this is our Flint, Michigan," said Mary Hurchalla.

It's not the holiday weekend people were expecting, and everyone is hoping for a turnaround soon.

"You look around the North and South Fork of the St. Lucie, it's disgusting, it's foul," said Morton.