Fort Myers Beach Water & Beach Conditions

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ADVISORIES AND UPDATES FOR FORT MYERS BEACH WATER & BEACH CONDITIONS

Florida FWC Red Tide Report (April 25, 2025)

In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was not observed.

No fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or other partners over the past week.

Respiratory Irritation suspected to be related to red tide was not reported over the past week in Florida. For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf Coast Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast.

Caloosahatchee Conditions Report (April 22, 2025)

Flow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 818 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 1,243 cfs (100%) coming from the lake at S-77. The 14-day moving average flow at S-79 was 1,081 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (750- 2,100 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 34 days. The 14-day moving average flow at S-77 was 1,337 cfs.

View the full report here.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Weekly Update April 18 – April 24, 2025

There were 25 reported site visits in the past seven days with 25 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at 14 of the sites.

LEARN MORE

SCCF Update 2-12-25

On 2/12/25 Lake Okeechobee was at 14.11 feet, decreasing by 0.21 feet in the past week. The weekly average flow at S-79 was 2,092 cfs (cubic feet per second) and flow from the Lake at S-77 was an average of 1,837 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-77 was 1,745 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-79 was 2,078 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (750- 2,100 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 30 days.

Headlines

Encore: Why rainy season fertilizer ordinances are so important in reducing harmful algae blooms

LOSOM officially finalized, governing Lake Okeechobee operations

‘What’s in the water?’: FGCU study reveals state of Fort Myers Beach waterways

New Decals Are Out To Support Manatees & Turtles

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Check out these other useful links for up to date information on water quality issues such as red tide, and blue-green algae.

INFORMATION ON TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MICROORGANISMS

Red Tide

In Florida, red tide is caused by a microscopic single-celled algae called Karenia brevis or K. brevis. It is present in background conditions throughout the year in the Gulf of Mexico. When natural conditions are right, the organism can form blooms producing a toxin. When red tide is present it can cause coughing, sneezing and teary eyes. People with asthma or chronic respiratory problems should avoid red tide areas. Swimming in water with red tide can also cause skin irritation or eye burning.

Please refer to this fact sheet for more information on red tide.

You can also find lots of useful information on the Captains For Clean Water Red Tide Conditions Page.

Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria/ blue-green algae are a group of organisms that can live in freshwater, salt water or mixed “brackish” water. When conditions are right, such as warm water and increased nutrients, these organisms can increase in numbers and accumulate in some areas of a water body.

Blue-green algae can cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. If you spot blue-green algae, please contact Kalina Warren, environmental administrator with DEP’s Water Quality Assessment Program for the South Region at 407-897-4177.

You can find more information on blue-green algae using the links below:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Vibrio Vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater. Itis part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt. Occurring naturally in the warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness. People can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. Persons who have wounds, cuts or scratches and wade in estuarine areas or seawater where the bacteria might be present can become ill as well.

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus in wound infections typically include swelling, pain and redness at the wound site. Other symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, chills and the formation of blistering skin lesions. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Please refer to this fact sheet for more information on Vibrio vulnificus.

REPORTING DEAD MARINE LIFE

For sick, injured or dead sea turtles contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-SAVE-ONE (728-3663) or FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). FWC’s hotline can also be used to report any sick or dead animal.

To report a fish kill, contact FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511 or submit a report online. The public can also download the free FWC Reporter app to their mobile device.