ORANGE LAKE, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a blue-green algae health alert for the Eagles Nest Dock area of Orange Lake after harmful algae toxins were detected in a recent water sample.
According to health officials, the alert was issued following testing conducted May 6, 2026. This comes after early signs of blue-green algae were first reported along the Ocklawaha River in late March.
Residents and visitors are advised not to drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft or come into contact with water where algae blooms are visible. Officials also warned residents to keep pets and livestock away from affected water areas, noting that algae blooms can be dangerous to animals, and children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may face increased health risks.
“If you have any contact with algae, or discolored or foul-smelling water, wash you skin and clothing with soap and water,” the department said in the alert.
Health officials said water contaminated by algae blooms should not be used for cooking or cleaning dishes because boiling the water does not remove toxins. Eating properly cleaned and cooked fish from freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is considered safe, but shellfish from affected waters should not be consumed.
Blue-green algae are bacteria commonly found in Florida freshwater environments. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint-like discoloration on the water’s surface and are more common during warm weather and still water conditions.
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to algae exposure can contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. Suspected algae blooms can also be reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903.