May 24, 2024

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) lifted the health alert issued on May 16, 2024, for harmful blue-green algae toxins in C43 Canal — S79 (upstream). Follow-up water samples tested by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) did not detect algae toxins. However, C43 Canal — S79 (upstream) remains under caution status.

It is important that the public exercise caution as blue-green algae bloom status can change when conditions are favorable. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water if they see algae blooms.

The latest sampling results can be viewed on Protecting Florida Together.

Original notice follows

May 16, 2024

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in C43 Canal – S79 (upstream). The alert is in response to a water sample taken on May 6,2024. The public should exercise caution in and around 43 Canal – S79 (upstream).

DOH-Lee advises residents and visitors to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative 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 toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, thro