Cape Coral installing more bubble curtains to keep blue-green algae at bay

Reporter: Gail Levy Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
A residential view of Mandolin Canal in Cape Coral. Credit: WINK News.

New bubble curtains will soon go into canals in Cape Coral to keep toxic blue-green algae at bay.

A generator will send power three lines that dip into the water and bring bubbles to the surface in Mandolin Canal.

We could see some specks gunk moving through the canal Wednesday.

The city has already tested the curtain, and everything is ready to go. Diving gear needs to be purchased, and the system needs to be cleaned. Then, the permit applications for all 10 bubble curtains need to be approved.

It’s something visitor Paul Ariey is happy to hear about.

“It’s nice from a health perspective because, like I said, we like to enjoy the water, utilizing the kayaks and also the boat,” Ariey said. “So waterplay is kind of an important part of our vacation, so it’s nice not having to worry about the red tide and the algae blooms and all of that other stuff.”

The city has recorded visible algae specks at three parks — Rosen, Four Mile Cove and Horton.

If you see any of those green specks anywhere else while you’re out, the city is asking the public to alert Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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