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Reports of algae blooms along St. Lucie River

Posted at 4:18 AM, May 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-30 18:00:49-04

People heading out on the water this Memorial Day holiday are receiving some unpleasant news.

A number of Martin County residents are seeing possible blue-green algae blooms along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.

Frank Swain, who lives at the Windjammer Condominiums along the river, says he and his neighbors are reporting a large number algae streaks. 

"You start sitting here and you're breathing it. I mean this is an over 55 community," says Swain.

Laura Green is now second guessing heading out this Memorial Day.

"Can't seem to enjoy any of it at this point. No one wants to go in it.  No one wants to touch it," said Green.

Florida's Department of Environmental Protection recently tested algae blooms along the St. Lucie River, which came back well below the hazardous level.

None of Sunday's reported algae has been tested.

Swain says he has his worries heading into the rainy season.

"You move here to be on the river to be on the beach and use your boats and go fishing, and you're looking like a lost summer and nobody wants to spend money to fix it," said Swain.

Florida's Department of Health advises people to avoid contact with the algae.