The public swimming areas in Lake Weir are temporarily closed due to higher-than-recommended levels of blue-green algae, Marion County health officials said Tuesday.

The Marion County Health Department notified the county's parks and recreation department that water samples taken from the lake resembled the increased levels of blue-green algae.  

“The toxins vary and whether or not these blue-green algae even release toxins in great numbers is still a question at this point, which is why the Department of Environmental Protection is going out hopefully today to do more intense sampling and give us that information,” Florida Department of Health Environmental Manager Dan Dooley said.

The temporary closure of the public swimming areas went into effect Tuesday, April 21, and is in place until further notice, officials said.

Water samples will continue to be taken until algae levels are considered acceptable.

“If they aren’t sure how dangerous it is I think it’s a common safety precaution, so I think it’s a good thing. But hopefully they figure it out quickly because it’s getting nice out and I’m sure people want to use the beach,” Cecilia Kaltz said after unknowingly going in the water.

For more information about Marion County Parks and Recreation-managed swim areas, call 352-671-8560.