(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
OCALA NATIONAL FOREST — If a boating trip to Silver Glen Run is in your plans, take note: The Florida Department of Health in Lake County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Silver Glen Springs northeast of Juniper Club.
The alert is in response to a water sample taken on Aug. 26, reported DOH-Lake in a press release.
“The public should exercise caution in and around Silver Glen Springs northeast of Juniper Club,” the release says.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations. After samples are analyzed at their laboratory, the toxin results can be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Blue-green algae blooms also can appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface in various colors. To lear more about the appeeaerance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins. Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but it can still be present in the water.
Is blue-green algae harmful?
Blue-green algae can produce toxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
For additional information on potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage.
Where can you find current water status information?
Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together.
You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in your area.
Where can you report issues related to algae blooms?
Algae Blooms: DEP monitors algae blooms and collects samples for analysis. Blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling toll-free at 1-855-305-3903.
Human Health: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
Animal Health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, call DOH-Lake at 352-253-6130.
Past problems at Silver Glen Springs reported by Daily Commercial
Silver Glen’s swimming area, the spring run attracts beer can-popping boaters who crank up loud music, tie their boat to fragile branches, and anchor to a delicate sandy floor, where archaeologists uncover fossils and indigenous relics.
Scientists investigated the Silver Glen run and found evidence that boating-related activity has affected the area. Read our February 2025 story for details.
Commissioners Leslie Campione and Sean Parks of the Board of County Commissioners in Lake County have expressed a willingness to find a middle ground between boaters and protecting the area through local enforcement. The Daily Commercial will follow up with local lawmakers to report their plans for the future of Silver Glen.
The area is also under consideration by U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, who wants to designate the forest’s springs and nearby areas the Florida Springs National Park.
Follow DOH-Lake on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Harmful blue-green algae detected at Silver Glen Springs Run. What we know
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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