HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials are urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water at Lake Thonotosassa after tests confirmed the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) issued the alert following analysis of a water sample collected on November 24, 2025.
Authorities advise the public to avoid all contact with the water, including swimming, wading, and using personal watercraft, especially where visible blooms are present. Blue-green algae can appear as a discoloration in the water or as floating mats, scum, or foam, often emitting a foul smell.
The toxins pose a significant risk to pets and livestock, which should be kept away from the shoreline. Officials warn that animals should not drink from the lake, as the water is unsafe even for washing.
READ: Wesley Chapel Man Blows .269, Takes Dying Passenger Home After Fatal Crash
Residents are also reminded that boiling water does not remove the toxins and should not be used for cooking or cleaning dishes. However, healthy fish caught in the lake are generally safe to eat if the fillets are rinsed thoroughly with tap water, the guts are discarded, and the meat is cooked well. Shellfish from the area should be avoided entirely.
Anyone spotting an algae bloom can report it to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) via their toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903. If exposure leads to illness in humans, contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
