Update: Thursday, July 25 at 1:40 p.m.

FDEP has completed sampling at the Riverland Road Boat Ramp (South Fork New River) and Coontie Hatchee Park (South Fork New River) and is reporting the presence of non-toxic blue-green algae. See the results at floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom.

As a precaution, neighbors and their pets should continue to avoid swimming in or around areas with active algal blooms. Individuals who come into contact with the algae should wash off with soap and water, especially if their skin is easily irritated.

City staff will continue to monitor the situation and report any new suspected blooms to FDEP. 

To report a bloom, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903 or make a report online at www.reportalgalbloom.com.

Original Notice: Wednesday, July 24 at 4:20 p.m.

City staff have observed early evidence of algal blooms at several of the City’s pre-established monitoring sites and have responded to other locations where concerns have been reported:

• Lauderdale Isles
• Coontie Hatchee Park in Riverside Park
• SW 18 Avenue in Shady Banks
• SW 12 Court in Tarpon River
• Southeast Isles (Las Olas and Rio Vista Isles)

The City performs monitoring for algal blooms year-round with a higher frequency of observation in the summer and early fall when algal blooms are most likely to occur. When City staff detect evidence of an algal bloom, we report it to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). FDEP is the lead agency on harmful algal blooms and will sample to determine the presence of blue-green algae which may pose a threat.

We are awaiting results to be posted on the FDEP Sampling Map. City staff will continue to perform weekly monitoring of the situation at pre-established sites and in response to any other reports.

As a precaution, neighbors and their pets should not swim in or around areas suspected to have an active algal bloom. Until we are able to confirm the nature of the algae, it is recommended that individuals coming into contact with the algae should wash off with soap and water, especially if your skin is easily irritated.

To report a bloom, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903 or make a report online at www.reportalgalbloom.com.

Resources:

• FDEP Algal Bloom Sampling Map floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom
• FDEP FAQ Document floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/freshwater-algal-bloom-faqs_2019.pdf
• Health Department Guidance www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html