Fort Myers Beach Water & Beach Conditions
Know before you go!
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):
- September 18-21 (Full Moon)
- October 1-5 (New Moon)
- October 16-20 (Full Moon)
- October 30 – November 4 (New Moon)
- November 13-18 (Full Moon)
- November 29-30 (New Moon)
Florida FWC Red Tide Report (October 4, 2024)
In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County and background concentrations in Sarasota County.
No reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or other partners over the past week.
Respiratory Irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported to FWRI and partners in Southwest Florida (Pinellas County) over the last week. 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 (September 17, 2024)
Flow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary had a 7-day average of 8,324 cfs at S-79 with a 7-day average of 0 cfs (0%) coming from the lake at S-77. The 14-day moving average flow at S-79 is 5,889 cfs and has been in the damaging flow envelope (>2,600 cfs; RECOVER 2020) for 10 days after 12 days in the stress flow envelope (2,100- 2,600 cfs). The 14-day moving average flow at S-77 was 0 cfs.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Weekly Update September 20 – October 3, 2024
There were 76 reported site visits in the past 14 days with 76 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at 20 of the sites.
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.
- Florida Healthy Beaches Program (Florida Department of Health)
- Lee County Updates
- Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Recon News
- Current Beach Conditions (MOTE Marine Laboratory)
- FMB CHAMBER RESOLUTION NO. 19-01 (SUPPORTING GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS’ STRONG COMMITMENT TO WATER QUALITY, EVERGLADES RESTORATION AND THE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING LEVELS OUTLINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 19-12)
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.