August 16, 2023

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted the health alert issued on July 17, 2023, for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Caloosahatchee – McGregor Colonial Park. 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.

Original Notice Follows:

July 18, 2023

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Caloosahatchee River - Horton Park and McGregor Colonial Park. This is in response to a water sample taken on 7/13/2023. The public should exercise caution in and around in Caloosahatchee River - Horton Park and McGregor Colonial Park.

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.