DOH-Lee issues

blue-green algae bloom alert

O n A u g . 4 , t h e F l o r i d a

D e p a r t m e n t o f

H e a l t h i n L e e County issued a health alert for the presence of h a r m f u l b l u egreen algal toxi n s i n t h e

C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r - S o u t h e a s t

32 Terrace, near Swan Canal and Moody Canal It was in response to water samples taken on Aug 2

The public should exercise caution in and around the identified areas

It advised the public to take the following precautions:

∫ Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.

∫ 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

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common 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

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins

Is it har mful?

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins

Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions by visiting P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a

Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action

See ALGAE BLOOM ALERT, page 17

Exploring the ocean’s treasures in Florida Keys

By SHANNON RIVARD

S u n - s o a k e d d a y s , c r y s t a l - c l e a r w a t e r s a n d m a n y marine wonders Coral Reef Weeks 1 and 2 in the Florida Keys were an unforgettable experience for the Sanibel Sea School's teenage adventurers With coral reefs as their classroom and the ocean as their playground, the campers embarked on a journey that left them with a newfound appreciation for nature's marvels

Despite advancing coral bleaching in the Florida Keys, the campers were able to explore the reefs and explore the many wonders of the unique coastal ecosystem

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The first Coral Reef Week on July 10-14 took the eager campers to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. They stopped for a “slough slog” in the Everglades on t h e i r w a y d o w n S a

DePaolis joined the campers to reinforce the critical connection between the Everglades, water quality and coral reefs

All week long, excitement filled the air as campers delved into the world of reefs, discovering the incredible biodiversity they harbor

Guided by marine science educators, they studied cnidarians under microscopes, learning about their intri- cate structures and symbiotic relationships The up-close encounters ignited a sense of wonder and fascination among the campers, inspiring them to protect and preserve the precious ecosystems

Led by SCCF Marine Lab research associate Mark Thompson, hands-on labs allowed the young explorers to better understand coastal ecology and the relationship between essential habitats like seagrass beds and reefs.

Bahia Honda State Park

The adventure continued at Bahia Honda State Park for the second Coral Reef Week on July 17-21 The campers immersed themselves in the coastal wonders, exploring sandy beaches, lush mangroves and vibrant seagrass beds

On their way down, the campers stopped at the Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon to learn about rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts The week's labs included observing filter feeding using sponges as a test subject and completing a roving fish survey for REEF's community-based science program

The second week was a test of endurance as the campers embraced a rustic lifestyle in extremely high heat But sleeping under the stars and braving the elements brought them closer to nature, fostering resilience

See FLORIDA KEYS, page 17

CITY OF SANIBEL

Rec center to offer weight class

Weight Room 101 will take place on Aug 22 at 1 p m with Connor Russell at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel It will include weight room orientation, specific instruction on upper and lower body exercises, and cardiovascular training tips Instruction and guidance on how to properly train one's entire body safely and

Florida Keys

effectively will help participants to gain m u s c u l a r s t r e n g t h a n d c a r d i o v a s c u l a r endurance Class is limited to 10 participants; pre-registration is required Closedtoe footwear is required Daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships are available For more information, call 239472-0302 or visit www.mysanibel.com.

TBE adds Sunday openings for campaign

Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel will be open on Aug. 20 and 27 in conjunction with Lee County waiving the Sanibel Causeway tolls on Sunday from now through Sept 10 for the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau's “Savor the Shore” and SanCap Chamber's “Savor SanCap” campaigns “It is nice to know that the county, the city and our chamber of commerce are in our corner fighting to help businesses stay afloat,” TBE Managing Partner Wendy Schnapp said The concessionaire for the J N “Ding”

Darling National Wildlife Refuge, TBE and its nature-themed gift shop are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p m , with the last rentals at 3 p m For more information or reservations, visit www tarponbayexplorers com or call 239-472-8900 TBE is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

From page 16 and appreciation for the comforts of modern living

Snorkeling a world of wonders

The highlight of both weeks, however, was undoubtedly the snorkeling expeditions Armed with masks, snorkels and f i n s , t h e c a m p e r s v e n t u r e d i n t o t h e turquoise waters to witness the magic beneath the surface Their eyes widened in awe as they encountered sea turtles gracefully gliding past, sharks patrolling the depths and octopuses displaying their alien-like movements

Dreamlike encounters with eagle rays, their majestic wings gliding effortlessly

Camping available at Periwinkle Park

Periwinkle Park General Manager

David Muench reported that the trailer park and campground has camp sites available for the summer and autumn m o n t h s I t o f f e r s s i t e s f o r R V s , motorhomes, fifth wheels, pop-ups and tents, as well as picnic tables, restrooms, showers, laundry, ice and LP gas For more information, visit https://sanibelc a m p i n g c o m / o r c o n t a c t p e r i w i nklepark@aol com Periwinkle Park is at 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Monitors needed for Beach Bucket Stations

Coastal Watch reported that Beach Bucket Stations will be installed at various access points on Sanibel, and volunteers are needed to help maintain the stat i o n s a n d r e p o r t a n y i s s u e s Volunteers will check for damaged or missing buckets; report any issues with the stations, such as broken hooks and scales; make sure trash has been removed from buckets; and rinse buckets, if needed. To sign up, v i s i t h t t p s : / / d o c s g o o g l e c o m / f o r m s

/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJURyjWkcHNalb79WV X M L 2 h M K i G Y m b Q k Y u 9 1 j9wSwXVSTcg/viewform t h r o u g h t h e w a t e r , l e f t a n i n d e l i b l e impression on the young hearts And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the ocean unveiled its most enchanting spectacle bioluminescence The waters sparkled with glowing organisms, illuminating the night and creating a delightful ambiance

Empowered for change

Despite the lack of modern comforts, the campers discovered that true treasure lies in experiences pushing them beyond their comfort zones Their challenges only deepened their sense of accomplishment

Algae bloom alert

What do I do if I see an algal bloom?

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n c o l l e c t s a n d analyzes algal bloom samples To report a bloom to the DEP, call the toll-free hot-

From page 16 line at 855-305-3903 or report online at http://www surveygizmo com/s3/344494

8/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511 and enriched their spirits.

As the camp came to a close, the campers shared their reflections They e x p r e s s e d i m m e n s e g r a t i t u d e f o r t h e opportunity to witness the beauty of coral reefs in their lifetime The importance of protecting the delicate ecosystems now resonated deeply within them

They left with a newfound sense of purpose, understanding that even small changes in their lives could benefit reefs and contribute to conservation efforts Armed with knowledge and inspiration, they returned home as ambassadors for the ocean, ready to make a difference in the world

Each Coral Reef Week proved to be more than just an adventure; it was a transformational experience that shaped young hearts and minds As they bid farewell to the shimmering waves and sandy shores, they carried with them memories of a summer well-spent one that taught them the value of nature, the power of resilience and the significance of embracing discomfort for the sake of growth education d i r e c t o r f o r t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center; call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

C o n t a c t y o u r v e t e r i n a r i a n i f y o u believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100