HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Hardee County are urging locals to stay clear of the Peace River near Lake Branch Road following the discovery of harmful blue-green algae.
The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County (DOH-Hardee) issued the formal alert this week after analyzing a water sample collected on February 18, 2026. The findings confirmed the presence of toxins that can pose a significant risk to people, pets, and local livestock.
Blue-green algae isn’t actually a plant; it is a type of bacteria common in Florida’s fresh water. When conditions are just right—usually involving warm temperatures, calm water, and plenty of sunlight—these bacteria can multiply rapidly into a “bloom.”
These blooms often look like thick scum, foam, or even spilled green paint on the surface, and they frequently give off a foul, swampy odor. Even when you can’t see a visible mat of green, the toxins can still be present in the water.
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Local authorities have outlined several safety measures to prevent illness. Residents should not swim, wade, or boat in areas where a bloom is visible.
If you accidentally touch the water, the DOH-Hardee recommends washing your skin and clothes immediately with soap and clean water. Perhaps most importantly, the Department warns that boiling this water will not remove the toxins, so it should never be used for drinking, cooking, or washing dishes.
Pet and livestock owners need to be especially vigilant. Animals are highly susceptible to these toxins and should be kept away from the riverbank entirely. If you suspect an animal has been exposed or has swallowed contaminated water, you should contact a veterinarian right away.
While the water is unsafe for many activities, the DOH-Hardee noted that eating fillets from healthy fish caught in these waters is generally safe, provided the fish are rinsed with fresh bottled water, the guts are discarded, and the meat is cooked thoroughly. However, shellfish from the affected area should be avoided completely.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is continuing to monitor the situation. They work alongside local partners to track the spread of the bloom and update the public via the Algal Bloom Dashboard. Anyone who experiences symptoms after coming into contact with the water can contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
For those who spot new blooms or see fish acting strangely, reports can be made directly to the DEP or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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