DOH-Lee issues caution health advisory for Shaughnessey Canal in Cape Coral

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is issuing a cautionary health advisory for the City of Cape Coral – Shaughnessey Canal based on observations of algae in the canal. When algae is visible, DOH-Lee recommends individuals boating in the canal avoid contact with the water. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will continue to post updates for the Shaughnessey Canal on their website.

Blue-green algae can cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed. Children and pets are especially vulnerable, so keeping them away from the water during a bloom is especially important. Additional information on blue-green algae is available here.

If you wish to report a new algae bloom please visit DEP’s Algal Bloom Monitoring & Response webpage.

The City of Cape Coral, DEP, the five water management districts, DOH, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services all work together to respond to algal blooms. DEP has been closely monitoring and testing algal blooms and will continue to respond to any new reports.