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JACKSONVILLE, Florida — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County has issued a health warning associated with the appearance of red tide near Fort George Inlet. Red tide is a harmful algal bloom that’s deeply concerning for Jacksonville and everyone who cares about the city’s waterways, wildlife, fisheries, and public health.
Fort George Inlet is located near JEA’s Northside Generating Station, a coal plant counted as one of the largest fossil-fuel power facilities in our region. Northside burns coal and petroleum coke, along with other fuels, and sits in an environmentally sensitive area. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) points to fossil fuels as a major contributing source to nitrogen buildup, which can produce red tide blooms.
Red tide toxins can kill fish and other marine life and can cause respiratory irritation in people when they become airborne. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions can be particularly vulnerable.
