Blue-Green Algae Bloom Found At Maximo Park In St. Pete: FDOH

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A health alert has been issued at Maximo Park in St. Petersburg, where a blue-green algae bloom was found, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

The harmful blue-green algal toxins were found June 30 at the park, located at Sunshine Skyway Lane and Pinellas Point Drive South, according to a new release.

The public should be cautious in and around the water at Maximo Park, the agency said. Warning signs will be posted at the park to alert visitors.

The DOH offers the following precautions for those visiting the park:

• Don’t drink, swim, wade, or use boats or other watercraft in waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash skin and clothing with soap and water after coming into contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
• Keep pets away from waters with algae blooms.
• Don’t cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms.
• Rinse fillets of fish and don’t eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

Blue-green algae is a naturally occurring type of bacteria common in Florida’s fresh waters, FDOH said. It can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

To report a bloom, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or online.