Algae blooms occurring in lakes outside Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Scientists say the summer heat has produced visible algae blooms in at least eight Tallahassee-area lakes.

The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the infestation is not as dramatic as the outbreak in central Florida’s Lake Okeechobee that made its way to Florida’s Atlantic coast last month. Still, scientists say the algae-contaminated waters in Leon County pose a threat to Wakulla Springs, one of the largest freshwater springs in the world.

Tallahassee environmental scientist Sean McGlynn says the local outbreak will reach maximum toxicity in mid-August. Nutrients from fertilizers and waste feed algae growth.

Tallahassee manager of storm water planning David Henry says algae is a “big concern,” but local regulations are stronger than state laws and should prevent an emergency similar to South Florida’s situation from occurring.