July 14, 2023

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted the health alerts issued between June 23, 2023, and June 29, 2023, for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Caloosahatchee River - Fort Myers Shores, Caloosahatchee River - End of Coon Rd, Hancock Creek - Moody Ramp, and Caloosahatchee – North of Loftons Island.

Follow-up water samples taken by the Department of Environmental Protection did not detect algal toxins, 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.

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.

June 27, 2023

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is cautioning the public of the presence of blue-green algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee River – End of Coon Rd, Caloosahatchee River – Jaycee Park, and Hancock Creek – Moody 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.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• You should not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating, to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water.
• Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
• You should keep pets and livestock away from the waters in this location.
• 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.
• You should not eat shellfish from this location.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard, and can also be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website, where you can sign up to be notified of the latest conditions.