LAKE HAMILTON, FL – (April 17, 2026) – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is cautioning residents and visitors about the presence of blue-green algae at Lake Hamilton East – Sample Park, first reported on April 13, 2026. Water sample testing is currently underway.
Blue-green algae, a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments, can produce toxins during blooms. These blooms discolor water and often form floating mats with unpleasant odors. Environmental conditions can change rapidly, so officials urge caution even before toxin results are confirmed.
The public is advised to avoid all contact with water showing a visible bloom. Do not swim, wade, drink the water, or use personal watercraft. If contact occurs, wash skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and water. Keep pets and livestock away, as the water is unsafe for animals.
Do not use the water for cooking or cleaning dishes, as boiling does not remove toxins. While fillets from healthy fish caught in affected lakes are safe if rinsed with tap or bottled water, guts discarded, and thoroughly cooked, shellfish should not be eaten.
Results from samples collected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be available on the Protecting Florida Together website and DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLK COUNTY
