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After Toxic Algae Outbreak, Bay Co. Officials Reminding Public To Be Safe In Local Waters

Blue Green Algae on St. Johns River, Satsuma, Putnam County, May 26, 2010
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Flickr

On the heels of a toxic algae bloom spreading across South Florida, Bay County health officials are reminding residents and visitors to be careful in area waters through a health campaign.

The name of the campaign is: Swim It, Shore It, or Dodge It.

  • Swim It with a buddy and when safety flags and signs say it’s good to go.
  • Shore It on the sand if you have a cut on your skin, have a weakened immune system or if you’re by yourself.
  • Dodge It if you cross paths with animals that live near or in the water, and stay clear of algae blooms.”

It’s the “Dodge It” part of the campaign Bay County health officials are hoping the public will be especially mindful of.
Algae Blooms can live in different types of water, can be toxic to fish, and increase in warm water. Swimming in water with blue green algae blooms can lead to rashes, diarrhea, and ear, eye, and skin reactions.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.