New task force to study blue-green algae solutions

HOBE SOUND, Fla. — Florida’s governor has created a new task force to help clean up the state’s lakes and rivers.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the formation of the Blue-green Algae Task Force during a news conference Monday at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

DeSantis says the five-member group will make recommendations to reduce nutrients in Lake Okeechobee and downstream estuaries, as well as look at connections to the red tide algae blooms that have affected Florida’s coasts.

An Ocean Conservancy report says last year had the worst blue-green algae bloom in Florida history. That was coupled with a devastating red tide outbreak along the state’s beaches.

The Associated Press