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Toxic Blue-Green Algae Thickening in Caloosahatchee

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Thickening in Caloosahatchee

A toxic blue-green algae bloom appears to be strengthening in the Caloosahatchee, as green slicks of the organisms are visible in Fort Myers. “I’ve been seeing it around the Edison Bridges and a little downtown,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce. “It’s that lime-green streaking at the surface.”

Blue-Green Algae near Downtown Fort Myers in Caloosahatchee River

Blue-Green Algae near Downtown Fort Myers in Caloosahatchee River

Florida Department of Health officials confirmed that a blue-green algae outbreak in the Caloosahatchee River is toxic to humans and animals. DOH officials say the bloom is centered around North Shore Park and West First Street and Altamont Avenue in downtown Fort Myers.

Blue-Green Algae Polluting the Caloosahatchee

Blue-Green Algae Polluting the Caloosahatchee

Residents living on canals along the Caloosahatchee have spotted blue-green algae. and experts are concerned about conditions worsening. Calusa Waterkeeper, Codty Pierce said, “This looks like it might be a Cyanobacteria bloom of some sort.”

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Plague Southwest Florida Waters from Naples to Lake O

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Plague Southwest Florida Waters from Naples to Lake O

From Naples to Lake Okeechobee and along the Caloosahatchee in between, algae is troubling Southwest Florida. A bloom currently coats more than 350 square miles of the lake; scientists have sampled cyanobacteria in multiple spots on the river and Collier County beach water is brown as saltwater species rolls on the surf.

Lake O is High at the Start of Hurricane Season and Why that Matters

Lake O is High at the Start of Hurricane Season and Why that Matters

Lake Okeechobee is over a foot above its target level at this time of year, and heavy rains have fallen across much of the state recently. The big question for our area is: will we see heavy releases when there’s a toxic blue-green algae bloom on Okeechobee?

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores

Once again, Lake Okeechobee is covered with blue-green algae blooms. According to NOAA, algal blooms covered about 260 square miles on the lake, especially in Fisheating Bay and along the western shoreline. The water on that western side eventually ends up in the Caloosahatchee.

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