ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about the presence of Portuguese man o’war on St. Johns County beaches.
The species is similar to a jellyfish.
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It’s vibrant blue and purple with tentacles and has a dangerous sting.
Because it has been sighted, a purple beach flag is currently up to warn about the presence of these dangerous sea creatures at the beach.
Beware of man o’ war and remember not to touch them!
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), man o’ war are called jellyfish but are actually siphonophores.
“A siphonophore is unusual in that it is comprised of a colony of specialized, genetically identical individuals called zooids — clones — with various forms and functions, all working together as one," NOAA says.
A man o’ war can sting you even days after it dies. So beware!