A new health alert is in effect for Bull Creek, just north of the boat ramp, after the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County (DOH-Flagler) confirmed the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins.
The notice comes after a water sample collected July 23, 2026. Officials are asking people to be careful anywhere near the affected water.
What people should do right now
DOH-Flagler laid out practical steps for anyone visiting the area. Don’t drink the water, and don’t swim, wade, ride personal watercraft, or otherwise touch water where you can see a bloom. If you do come in contact with algae, or with water that looks off-color or has a foul smell, wash exposed skin and any clothing right away using soap and clean water.
Animals should be kept out as well. Pets and livestock are especially at risk, officials said, and bloom water should never be used as their drinking source. When algae are present, use a different supply.
The department also advised against using potentially contaminated water for cooking or washing dishes. Boiling won’t fix the problem, the toxins can remain.
Guidance for fishing and eating what you catch
For anglers, the department said fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes with blooms are still considered safe to eat. The key is how you handle them: rinse fillets with tap water or bottled water, discard the guts, and cook the fish fully. Shellfish is a different story, shellfish harvested from bloom waters should not be eaten.
What “blue-green algae” means
Blue-green algae, according to the department, are actually bacteria that commonly occur in Florida freshwater. Trouble starts when they multiply quickly and pile up, turning the water odd colors and often creating floating mats that can smell bad. A bloom might also show up as scum, foam, or something that looks like paint on the surface, and it can appear in different shades.
Certain conditions make blooms more likely: bright sun, warm temperatures, calm water, plus excess nutrients. Blooms can show up at any time of year, but they tend to be seen more in summer and fall. Officials also noted that toxins are possible with many types of blue-green algae, and algae can still be in the water even when you don’t see an obvious bloom.
Health concerns
DOH-Flagler said these toxins can affect people, pets, and the surrounding environment, including fish and other aquatic life. Some groups are more vulnerable, including children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Even low toxin levels can pose a risk for them, so avoiding exposure is recommended.
Where to check updates and how to report issues
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with partners, collects and tests algae samples. Results are available through Protecting Florida Together and on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard, where residents can also sign up for alerts when conditions change.
To report a bloom, contact DEP online or call 1-855-305-3903. If someone feels ill after exposure to a harmful algae bloom or aquatic toxins, officials recommend reporting symptoms to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. If a pet becomes sick after being near the water, owners should call a veterinarian.
Reports of dead, diseased, or unusually acting fish and wildlife can be filed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or by calling 800-636-0511.
For other health-related questions about blue-green algae, residents can reach DOH-Flagler County at 386-437-7358.
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