June 9, 2023
UPDATE – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County has lifted the health alerts issued on May 9, 2023, for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Peace River at Bartow SR60 and Peace River at Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area.
A health alert is lifted once follow-up water samples taken by the Department of Environmental Protection did not detect algal toxins or 30 days have elapsed since the last sampling date, indicating the public may resume water-related activities.
It is important that the public exercise caution and good judgement. Blue-green algae blooms can move around or subside and then reappear when conditions are favorable again. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water if blooms are observed. The latest sample results can be viewed on ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov (link opens in new window).
Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center. Call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
May 9, 2023
BARTOW – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Peace River - at Bartow SR60. This is in response to a water sample taken on 5/2/2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Peace River - at Bartow SR60.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
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Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
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Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
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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.
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Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
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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.
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Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
Updates on water quality status can be found on the statewide Algal Bloom Dashboard. |