One of my Florida missions was to see the fluorescent algae that blooms on certain lagoons in June. Patrick O’Donnell, Environmental Specialist in Fisheries, showed me where to watch for the occasional greenish flashes from bioluminescent creatures that were disturbed by the passage of our boat. Comb jellies made saucer-sized flashes when bumped. That was as good as it got that night because Steve and I had opted for May’s less sultry temps.
When the fluorescent algae blooms, it leaves a shimmering wake behind the boat, or even a paddle stroke. Patrick once watched night rain transform a bay into a psychedelic dance floor, every drop bringing shine and then lofting sparkle. What I wouldn’t give to see that. Guess I won’t hold my breath though, Pat’s been haunting Florida’s estuaries for around 20 years and has seen it only once.