Jellyfish still a Florida beach threat

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 3 (UPI) -- Jellyfish are still washing ashore in Florida's Brevard County from Cocoa Beach to Melbourne Beach but the number of stings is tapering off, officials said.

"They're everywhere, but our numbers were down significantly yesterday. We had about 35 jellyfish stings," Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Division Chief Jeff Scabarozi told Friday's Florida Today.

Biologists say the recent invasion of the mauve stinger jellyfish that have stung about 1,800 beachgoers may be the result of a "bloom" of the creatures coupled with strong winds pushing the jellyfish to shore.

The invasion began just before the Memorial Day weekend, and with another weekend of sunny and warm weather, more beachgoers are expected to venture into the water, Scabarozi said.

County lifeguards are stocking up on vinegar to treat the stings, he said, and beach visitors should check with lifeguards before entering the water.

"We're not seeing a lot less people. The jellyfish are out there so we'll have to take everything day by day," Scabarozi said.

"You can still get in the water," he said. "If you get stung just go to the lifeguard and get treated."