Fort Myers Beach Water & Beach Conditions

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ADVISORIES AND UPDATES FOR FORT MYERS BEACH WATER & BEACH CONDITIONS

King Tide Forecast

Extreme high tides are predicted by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to peak above 2.5-3.0 feet Mean Lower Low Water along the South Florida Coast during the following days (peak varies by location):

  • November 29-30 (New Moon)

Florida FWC Red Tide Report (December 11, 2024)

In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Pinellas County, very low and medium concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to low concentrations in Manatee County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, low and medium concentrations in Charlotte County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee County, and background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Collier County.

Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline and other partners over the past week for Southwest Florida (along Pinellas County).

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week in Southwest Florida (Pinellas and Sarasota counties). For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast.

Caloosahatchee Conditions Report  (December 10, 2024)

Flow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 2,305 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 2,031 cfs (88%) coming from the lake at S-77. The 14-day moving average flow at S-79 is 2,070 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (750- 2,100 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 46 days. The 14-day moving average flow at S-77 was 1,801 cfs.

View the full report here.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Weekly Update November 15 – November 21, 2024

There were 12 reported site visits in the past seven days with 12 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at eight of the sites.

LEARN MORE

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Lake Okeechobee Levels & Caloosahatchee Flow Impacts

On 11/20/24 Lake Okeechobee was at 16.01 feet, decreasing by 0.12 feet in the past week. The weekly average flow at S-79 was 1,861 cfs (cubic feet per second) and flow from the Lake at S-77 was an average of 1,360 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-77 was 1,346 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-79 was 1,968 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (750- 2,100 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 27 days.

Headlines

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

LOSOM officially finalized, governing Lake Okeechobee operations

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.