Martin County said it is extending a local state of emergency for another week due to blue-green algae. It allows the government to streamline efforts to finance projects that could remedy the algae situation that is creating headaches for thousands this summer.
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Meantime the South Florida Water Management District said it has been taking steps as a response to the algal blooms.
In an effort reduce the flow of water from Lake Okeechobee the district says Florida Power and Light will temporarily store approximately 2.2 billion gallons per month in the cooling pond at the FPL Martin Clean Energy Center near Indiantown.
Storage began Tuesday and will continue for approximately three to four months, the district said.
"On behalf of our Governing Board, I would like to thank FPL for responding so quickly to this water storage request after the governor's declaration of emergency," SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Daniel O'Keefe said in a statement.
The district said it will use private properties to store additional water.
.@MartinCountygov extended local state of emergency for another week. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/kMtcVm5s0k
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) July 5, 2016
.@MartinCountygov ecosystem engineer Deb Drum says avoid all blue-green algae. Getting own water and air quality tests.
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) July 5, 2016
Drum: data related to toxic algae blooms isn't always up to date. Urging public to stay away from blooms. "There is no safe bloom."
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016
Deb Drum: we requested air sampling thru FL Dept of Health.
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016
County Admin: our beaches are open, lifeguards will run double red flags when necessary re: algae crisis
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016
Deb Drum: says manatee that was found was too decomposed for @MyFWC to run tests to determine if toxic algae was cause of death.
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016
Interim fire chief: if you come in contact w/ algae wash w/ soap and water, go to a DR. if you feel ill.
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016
What's next? County admin says they will cont pushing forward, holding mtgs to keep everyone in the loop.
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) July 5, 2016