Water-Related News

Hardee County Dept. of Health extends Health Caution for Peace River-Crews Park Boat Ramp

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May 19, 2023

The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County is cautioning the public of the continued presence of a blue-green algae bloom in the Peace River at Crews Park Boat Ramp. Blooms have the potential to produce toxins, and what triggers them to do so remains poorly understood. Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed. This is in response to a water sample taken on May 18, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around the Peace River- Crews Park Boat Ramp. See precautions below. To check the water quality status, visit the statewide Algal Bloom Dashboard.


May 1, 2023

WAUCHULA – The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County is cautioning the public of the presence of a blue-green algae bloom in the Peace River at Crews Park Boat Ramp. Blooms have the potential to produce toxins, and what triggers them to do so remains poorly understood. Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed.

This is in response to a water sample taken on April 27, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around the Peace River- Crews Park Boat Ramp.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
  • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
  • Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
  • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
  • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
  • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.