STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — City leaders in Stuart declared a local state of emergency following Governor Rick Scott's executive order.
Governor Scott declared a state of emergency for Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties on Monday due to the algae blooms stemming from Lake Okeechobee freshwater discharges.
Stuart Mayor Kelli Glass Leighton signed the local declaration Monday night. The city also posted Blue-Green Algae awareness signs along the downtown Riverwalk and riverfront.
Algae blooms threaten human health and safety, and also impact the local ecology, economy, and environment.
Track algae testing in Florida through an interactive map. Call 855-305-3903 to report an algal bloom, or go online.