The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County reported the presence of blue-green algae in the Peace River off Lake Branch Road. Water sample testing is ongoing to check for toxins. Residents and visitors are urged to use caution, as conditions can change quickly.
Key Precautions:
- Avoid all contact with water showing visible blooms—no drinking, swimming, wading, or personal watercraft use.
- Wash skin and clothing with soap and water after any contact with algae, discolored, or foul-smelling water.
- Keep pets and livestock away from affected areas; provide alternative drinking water.
- Do not cook or clean with contaminated water (boiling does not remove toxins).
- Rinse and thoroughly cook fillets from healthy freshwater fish caught in bloom areas; discard guts. Avoid eating shellfish from these waters.
Blue-green algae blooms are common in Florida freshwaters, often appearing as discolored water, scum, foam, or floating mats with unpleasant odors. They thrive in warm, sunny, still conditions with excess nutrients and are more frequent in summer and fall. Some produce toxins harmful to people (especially children, elderly, and immunocompromised), pets, and aquatic life.
Sample results and current status are available on Protecting Florida Together and DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Reporting:
- Algae blooms: DEP at 1-855-305-3903 or online
- Human health symptoms: Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222
- Pet illness: Contact your veterinarian
- Fish/wildlife kills: FWC at 800-636-0511 or online
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage or call DOH-Polk at 863-578-2024. Subscribe to water quality alerts at Protecting Florida Together.
