Slimy green algae returns bringing back bad memories

Reporter: Gina Tomlinson
Published: Updated:
Blue-green algae. (Credit: WINK News)
Blue-green algae. (Credit: WINK News)

On Tuesday, the return of an unwanted visitor: slimy green swirls sitting in the water.

Katie Rudalavage and Alyssa Englund noticed it after they got their boat ready to head out with their friends.

“Just after class we like to come out here and take the boat out and wake surf with some friends,” Rudalavage said. ”I feel like it can only get worse from here.”

A layer of algae coating is on the top of the Caloosahatchee in Sweet Water Landing Marina. Stinky fumes are permeating in the air from the green gunk. The owner of the Sweet Water Landing Marina said the algae started showing up around five days ago.

The reappearance brings back nightmares from when algae invaded canals last summer all over Florida. Although the parking lot was full of cars Tuesday at the Boat House Tiki Bar and Grill across the street from the marina, patrons were aware of the unwanted visitor.

“‘Smelling this and seeing this in the water,” said Melissa England, a patron and Fort Myers resident, “people are not going to want to come here.”

If the algae become more of a nuisance, it is likely to have an impact on revenues for nearby businesses.

But at least for now, this bit of algae is not stopping boaters from enjoying the river.

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