Residents and visitors advised to avoid contact with discolored or foul-smelling water as testing for toxins is underway.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) is alerting the public to the presence of a blue-green algae bloom at Thomas Lake – Center as of September 10, 2025.
While water sample testing is in progress to determine if toxins are present, officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and avoid the water.
Blue-green algae, a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments, can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Blooms, which are often discolored and can have an unpleasant odor, occur when the bacteria grow rapidly, often forming floating mats or scum on the water’s surface.
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In response to the confirmed bloom, DOH-Polk has issued a series of precautions for the public:
- Avoid Contact: Do not drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercrafts in areas with a visible bloom.
- Wash Up: If you come into contact with the water, or any discolored or foul-smelling water, wash your skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and water.
- Protect Pets and Livestock: Keep animals away from the affected area, as the water is not safe for them to drink or touch. Pets and livestock should be provided with an alternative source of water.
- Do Not Boil: Boiling water contaminated by algae blooms will not eliminate toxins. Do not use this water for cooking or cleaning dishes.
- Fish Safely: While eating fillets from healthy fish caught in the lake is considered safe, officials advise rinsing them with tap or bottled water and cooking them thoroughly. However, shellfish from the affected waters should not be eaten.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively involved in collecting and analyzing algae samples. The results of the toxin analysis will be made available on the Protecting Florida Together and DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard websites.
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DOH-Polk reminds the public that environmental conditions can change rapidly. Even without confirmed toxins, it is best to avoid any water where a bloom is visible. Sunny days, warm water, and excess nutrients can all contribute to the growth of these blooms, which are more frequent during summer and fall months.
For additional information on potential health effects, residents can visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage.
How to Report a Bloom or Illness:
- Algae Blooms: To report an algae bloom, contact the DEP online or call their toll-free hotline at 1-855-305-3903.
- Human Health: If you experience symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom, immediately call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222 to speak with a specialist.
- Animal Health: If you suspect your pet has become ill after contact with the water, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.
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