The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District has temporarily suspended swimming and other water activities at the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area located near Fort Myers due to the presence of blue-green algae.
The Corps was notified this afternoon by the Florida Department of Health that an algal bloom was present at the W.P. Franklin Lock, and has decided to suspend water activities at the beach until further notice.
“Public safety is our highest priority,” said Steve Dunham, chief of the Jacksonville District’s South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston.
The beach itself will remain open to visitors who wish to sunbathe or play in the sand. Visitors will be prohibited from swimming or otherwise playing in the water. Use of the boat ramp will still be allowed.
For more information on blue-green algae, please visit the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/cyanobacteria.html
For information on the W.P. Franklin Lock and Visitor Center, call 239-694-2582.
Release no. 16-033