10 Facts That Prove Florida Is America's Craziest State
5. Water That Glows Neon
A chemical reaction occurs along the coastlines of Florida that looks like something out of an alien movie. The sea glows green and teal and the sand illuminates everywhere you step. Little lines of neon like a grounded Aurora Borealis ignite the sandy beach. Called bioluminescence, the phenomenon happens when a tiny microorganism in the ocean water is disturbed by oxygen. This can be from paddling, swimming, walking or waves. Its often more prevalent in the summer because of natural breeding cycles of the organisms. In some cases, the bioluminescent dinoflagellates, for example, Pyrodinium bahamense, can produce toxins that accumulate in fish, particularly puffer fish. However, normally humans and fish have little to worry about when this day-glow event hits the shores and inlets. Night-time kayaking tours are offered throughout the state so that visitors and residents alike might witness the mystery of the neon glow.
