Green algae in Lemon Bay to be tested for toxicity

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ENGLEWOOD, Fla. Tests will soon determine whether a new bloom of green algae in Lemon Bay is toxic.

Charlotte County referred the matter Thursday to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which will handle the tests.

Denise Morrow, who manages the waterfront Snook’s Bayside Bar & Grill, first noticed the bloom earlier this week.

“We just got back open for business, and what a horrible view for the customers to come out and to see,” Morrow said. “Because when it comes in, it comes right into the back of our docks to the back of the restaurant, and it’s such a horrible green film on the water.”

Underwater boat cleaner John Krantz initially saw it near Manasota Key in the days after Hurricane Irma passed.

“We usually get red tide, but nothing like the algae bloom floating on the surface,” he said.

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