DESTIN, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a health alert for blue-green algae toxins detected in Kell-Aire Lake, following a water sample taken on August 13, 2025. The public is urged to use caution in and around the lake.
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According to DOH-Okaloosa, residents and visitors should not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where a visible bloom is present. Skin or clothing exposed to algae or discolored water should be washed immediately with soap and water.
The health department advised that pets and livestock should also be kept away from the area. Animals should not drink or come into contact with the water, and owners should provide an alternative clean water source.
DOH-Okaloosa noted that cooking or cleaning dishes with contaminated water is unsafe, and boiling the water will not remove toxins. Eating fillets from healthy freshwater fish is considered safe if fillets are rinsed with tap or bottled water, the guts are discarded, and the fish are cooked thoroughly. Shellfish from bloom-affected waters should not be eaten.
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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its partners collect algae samples at reported bloom locations. Once analyzed, results are posted to the state’s Protecting Florida Together website and DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally present in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blooms occur when rapid growth leads to visible scum, foam, or mats that may emit odors. Factors such as warm water temperatures, sunny conditions, still water, and excess nutrients contribute to blooms, which are most common in summer and fall.
According to DOH-Okaloosa, blue-green algae may produce toxins that harm humans, pets, fish, and aquatic ecosystems. Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk and should avoid any exposure.
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For more information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, residents can visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae bloom webpage. Water status reports and health notifications are available at Protecting Florida Together, where residents may also subscribe to alerts.
Algae blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling 1-855-305-3903. Human health concerns should be reported to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222, while animal health issues should be directed to a veterinarian. Fish kills may be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 800-636-0511.
DOH-Okaloosa can also be reached for additional questions or concerns at 850-833-9247.
