Blue-green algae in Charlotte Harbor spurs health advisory; more of both certain to come

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County has issued a health advisory about toxic blue-green algae showing up east of Rotunda, in Zephyr Waterway near South Gulf Cove, warning people to stay away from the noxious algae bloom.

Microscopic parts of the harmful bloom can make adults sick. Children, too, need to stay away from the dangerous water. Dogs and cats can die.

Toxic blue-green algae have been found in the inland portions of the Peace River off and on for weeks, as the worst drought in 25 years has parched Southwest Florida.

“It’s nice and warm and sunny. They like the warm temperatures, they like the low flow, and they like to multiply,” said Barry Rosen, a leading expert on algae and cyanobacteria based at The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. “They love being in a stationary environment like lakes and canals.”

Rosen is a professor at FGCU’s Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies who has been studying freshwater bacteria for several decades with a focus on Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River.