On December 2, 2025, the Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) issued a public advisory about blue-green algae in a pond at Dorothy B. Oven Park in Tallahassee. Water samples are being tested to check for toxins. Officials advise caution because environmental conditions can change quickly and toxins may not always be detected right away.
Residents and visitors are advised not to drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft in the affected pond, especially where algae blooms are visible. The DOH-Leon recommends washing skin and clothing with soap and water if contact with the pond occurs. Pets and livestock should be kept away from the pond, and alternative water sources should be provided for them.
The advisory also states that contaminated water should not be used for cooking or cleaning dishes, as boiling does not remove toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in affected freshwater lakes is considered safe if they are rinsed and cooked properly. However, shellfish from these waters should not be eaten. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is collecting and analyzing algae samples. Results are available on the Protecting Florida Together website and the DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard…