Health officials are continuing to warn local residents in Orange County to avoid Lake Pearl due to the presence of blue-green algae blooms.
On Monday, Florida Department of Health in Orange County officials issued a blue-green algae alert for Lake Pearl. The alert comes just a few days after the previous alert.
Both were issued after samples were taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at the lake on Monday, February 12, showing the presence of blooms.
Algae blooms have the potential to produce toxins that may be harmful to visitors and local wildlife. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when near them and are advising residents and visitors to not drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft in waters where blooms are present.
Visitors to Lake Pearl should avoid getting algal water in eyes, noses, or mouths, and pets and livestock should be kept away from the waters until the alerts are lifted, according to health officials.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results are posted through the department’s website.
To report an algal bloom, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection algal bloom monitoring and response webpage.