City of Pahokee Marina Closed Due to Toxic Algae Bloom
Due to public health concerns re: high levels of toxic algae blooms the marina is closed for public use until further notice.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Okeechobee near the Pahokee Marina located in the City of Pahokee, Florida. This is in response to a water sample taken on 4-26-2021. The public is encouraged to exercise caution in and around Lake Okeechobee near the Pahokee Marina located in the City of Pahokee, Florida.
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that occur frequently in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blooms may negatively impact fish and other aquatic animals.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there are toxic algae blooms.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
- Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
- Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
- Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
- Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Communications Office at 561-671-4014 or see this website below for more information.
Read the Palm Beach County Health Department Statement here.