There’s a certain stillness to Florida’s waterways in summer. The air hangs heavy, dragonflies skim over glassy ponds, and the light reflects silver off the surface of lakes and canals. But sometimes that shimmering blue turns to green—thick, almost paint-like in places—and the quiet beauty hides a growing concern.
These are harmful algal blooms, or HABs, and they’re becoming more common in Florida’s warm, nutrient-rich waters. Some are harmless; others, especially blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), can release toxins that affect wildlife, pets, and even people who come into contact with the water.
A Closer Look at Florida’s Changing Waters
In recent DEP reports, Lake Okeechobee, Dead Lake, and parts of the St. Johns River showed traces of cyanotoxins—levels still low by regulatory standards, but enough to remind us how fragile Florida’s ecosystems are. Warm water, still currents, and nutrient runoff create the perfect conditions for these blooms to spread.
To those who love Florida’s wild spaces—kayakers, fishermen, gardeners, and anyone who lingers near the water’s edge—understanding these blooms is part of understanding the land itself.
Why It Matters to All of Us
For most of us, algal blooms are something we notice from a distance—a green slick on a lake or a shoreline dusted with dead fish. But they ripple through the ecosystem in ways we can’t always see. Fish kills disrupt entire food chains. Birds, turtles, and even manatees can be affected. Pets and livestock are at risk, too, if they drink or play in contaminated water.
And there’s a human connection as well. Those of us who love the water—who wade, fish, or even water our gardens from nearby lakes—need to stay aware.
Staying Informed
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection posts weekly updates, including satellite images and lab results, showing where blooms are active. It’s a resource worth checking before heading out for a weekend paddle—or even before letting the dog swim in your local canal.
Weekly updates:
https://floridadep.gov/sec/sec/content/weekly-updates-and-subscription
A Shared Responsibility
Algal blooms are fueled, in part, by excess nutrients washing into waterways—fertilizers, grass clippings, and yard runoff. One of the simplest ways to help is to garden responsibly: use slow-release fertilizers, mulch to reduce runoff, and plant native species that need less feeding.
The beauty of Florida’s waters—its hidden creeks, its wide lakes, and its endless estuaries—is something we all share. Staying informed, and making small, thoughtful changes in how we live with the land, helps keep those waters clear for the life that depends on them.