JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – According to a health alert from the Florida Department of Health, harmful blue-green algae toxins have been detected in the St. Johns River near Racy Point.
The alert follows a water sample collected on June 23, 2025.
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Residents are urged to exercise caution in and around the affected area. DOH-Duval advises avoiding drinking, swimming, wading, or using personal watercraft in water where algae is visible.
Contact with the water should be avoided, and any skin exposed to potentially contaminated water should be washed with soap and clean water.
Pets and livestock should be kept away from the area and given an alternative water source.
Residents are reminded not to cook or clean with contaminated water, as boiling will not eliminate the toxins.
While eating fillets from healthy fish is considered safe with proper cleaning and cooking, shellfish from affected waters should be avoided.
According to the health alert, blue-green algae is a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments that can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and aquatic life. Blooms often appear in summer and fall and may look like scum, foam, or paint on the water’s surface.
Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid any exposure, even when toxin levels are low.
For current water conditions and lab results from algae testing, visit the Protecting Florida Together website or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Reports and concerns can be directed to:
- Algae blooms: 1-855-305-3903 (DEP)
- Health symptoms: 800-222-1222 (Florida Poison Information Center)
- Animal illness: Contact your veterinarian
- Fish kills or abnormal wildlife behavior: 800-636-0511 (FWC)
For local health concerns, contact DOH-Duval at 904-253-1280.
