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Blue-green algae makes unwelcome return in Pinellas County

Representatives say there are blue-green algae in Gulfport and reports of blue-green algae in Treasure Island.

TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Boaters in Treasure Island have noticed clumps of blue-green algae in canals.

"As far as the blue-green algae, there's a decent amount of it, it will vary from day to day and with tides," Steven Schumacher told 10News.

As the dockmaster of a local boat club, he spends a lot of time out on the water. He says he's seen the algae bobbing around since May.

"The biggest issue is it can hide other things, like palms or other things that are floating in it. If you hit those, they can damage your engine," Schumacher said.

A representative with Pinellas County confirms the algae is in Gulfport and says they have reports of it in the Intercoastal off Treasure Island as well. They say last year's red tide could be contributing to this year's bloom, and tell 10News their Environmental Management team is monitoring it.

No beaches or swimming areas are closed in Pinellas County from blue-green algae, but keep your pets and children away from the algae. The health department says you should never eat fish from algae-tainted water.

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