These may not be algae. But Algae is a large part of a reefs health, and is even symbiotic in many ways. These fossil forms appear mat-like, and there is some texture on some at magnification. If I can get a decent microscope shot I will post it here later.
These are common in all parts of the fossil reef, from Shell Point and Gordon/Conley at 25 feet, to Ballast Point at 6 feet and out in the bay. Most of the collectors ignore them or throw them in the tumbler. I sent samples of these types to UF back in the 1980s, they came from a construction hole near Shell Point where the layer was at 20-25 feet depth.
The actual thickness of the layer at that depth was indiscernible because there was heavy construction equipment solely intent on installing drainage and they were having a hard time because the area was so moist. They were not happy campers overall, but they were interested in the coral too and tolerated me as long as I stayed out of the way.
This was very early 80s. From the amount of rock they hauled out of that hole the layer was extensive. One bucket of wet matrix was dumped on top of a big pile and coral heads rolled down the sides. Fun. I just shoveled all that into the back of the truck then washed it later in screens, it was highly instructive.
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