Toxic algae threat returns to Florida waters — but scientists are fighting back

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Toxic blue-green algae , also known as cyanobacteria, is back in Florida waters, and scientists say the danger extends beyond what you can see.

What we know:

It can sicken people and kill pets, especially when the algae release airborne toxins. But, researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) say we’ve made major progress in understanding how it works — and how to slow it down.

FGCU marine science professor Dr. Mike Parsons discovered airborne toxins from algae blooms during Florida’s massive 2018 outbreak.

"We basically detected it everywhere we’ve looked," he said.

Since then, Parsons says the airborne levels have dropped, likely due to fewer massive blooms in recent years. But, the potential for major outbreaks remains.

The backstory:

In 2018, Flori