Florida Launches Hotline For Residents To Report Algae Bloom

By The Associated Press

Published July 5, 2016 at 1:17 PM EDT

The state has launched a hotline to help residents give updates on the massive algae bloom fouling some of Florida's southern rivers and beaches.

Residents can call a toll-free at 1-855-305-3903 or report information online at . The smelly muck comes just in time for the holiday weekend.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson have asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake.

The Army Corps started reducing the flow Friday, targeting the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie Estuary.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency over the smelly muck, and politicians and residents are blaming the federal government.

Scott says state officials will to conduct routine sampling.