HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a health alert for Lake Hobbs, a private lake, due to the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins. The alert follows water sample analysis conducted on February 26, 2025, revealing concerning levels of the toxins.
Public health officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution in and around Lake Hobbs.
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Key Precautions:
- Avoid Contact: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or have any contact with water exhibiting visible signs of an algae bloom.
- Hygiene: If you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water with an unpleasant odor, wash your skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and water.
- Pet Safety: Keep pets and livestock away from the lake. Blue-green algae blooms are particularly dangerous for animals. Provide them with an alternative water source.
- Water Use: Do not cook or clean dishes with water from the lake. Boiling will not eliminate the toxins.
- Fish Consumption: While eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes with blooms is generally considered safe, rinse fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the guts, and cook thoroughly. Do not consume shellfish from affected waters.
Understanding Blue-Green Algae:
Blue-green algae, a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater, can form blooms that discolor water and produce floating mats with unpleasant odors. These blooms can appear as scum, foam, or paint-like substances in various colors. Factors contributing to blooms include sunny days, warm water, still water, and excess nutrients.
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Blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and ecosystems. Sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those immunocompromised, are particularly vulnerable.
Reporting and Information:
- For algae blooms: Report to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) online or by calling 1-855-305-3903.
- For human health concerns: Contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
- For animal health concerns: Contact your veterinarian.
- For fish kills: Report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 800-636-0511.
- For current water quality status information, visit Protecting Florida Together.
DOH-Hillsborough and the DEP will continue to monitor the situation at Lake Hobbs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the health of their pets.
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