Health Alert issued for blue-green algae found on Orange River at Manatee Park

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Blue-green algae was detected on the Orange River at Manatee Park, according to the Florida Department of Health in Lee County.

Local health officials confirmed a Health Alert was issued for this area after a water sample on June 24 found the toxins.

The public should use caution in and around the Orange River at Manatee Park. Residents and visitors should not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski, or boat in waters with a visible bloom.

If anyone has contact with algae or discolored, smelly water, wash skin and clothes with soap and water, the Department of Health said. Pets should also be kept away from the area.

Residents and visitors are asked to not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms and boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins. Health officials said fish fillets should be rinsed with tap or bottled water. Guts should also be thrown out and fish should be cooked well.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to DEP, call 855-305-3903 or report it online.

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