PUBLIC NOTICE | Blue-Green Algae Bloom Notice 5-16-25

Hardee County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County (DOH-Hardee) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Peace River – Zolfo Springs at the Pioneer Park boat ramp, Gardner boat ramp & the Crews Park Boat Ramp -Wauchula on May 15, 2025.
Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.

Residents and visitors are advised 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, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations. After samples are analyzed at their laboratory, the toxin results
can be viewed on Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.

What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that
discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida
Together.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round
but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but it can still be present in the water.

For additional information please contact the Hardee County Health Department at 863-473-6059