Water-Related News

“Gunk” fouling Peace River in Punta Gorda is cyanobacteria and macroalgae

The water at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda has piles of gunk floating on top of it, creating a smelly situation. WINK News grabbed a sample from the water and took it to Florida Gulf Coast University to get it assessed.

We first learned about the stuff floating in the water when a WINK News viewer couldn’t stand the sight or smell of the water in Gilchrist Park.

Mark Cangelosi called and asked us to investigate the gunk and whether it was dangerous.

“It smells like the top of your septic tank. If you were to open it up. It smells just like that is pretty nasty stuff,” said Cangelosi.

Charlotte County Water Quality Manager Brandon Moody gave us the answer to what it is.

“This is just cyanobacteria and macroalgae that is going through its natural processes, dyeing and decomposing,” said Moody.

WINK News brought FGCU Water School Professor Barry Rosen a sample of the water from Gilchrist Park, and he confirmed it as cyanobacteria.