Residents alarmed by foul smell and dead marine life in Buccaneer Lagoon

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

Residents of Buccaneer Lagoon are alarmed by a foul smell and dead marine life floating in the unusual green milky water, raising concerns about a potential environmental issue.

Jim Koskey, who has lived on the lagoon for over six years, said, "The smells since the water has turned this milky green color has gotten almost unbearable within the last four days."

Koskey noted that he can smell the stench from inside his home and began to worry when he first noticed dead marine life lining his seawall four days ago. Koskey expressed his hope that the issue is a natural phenomenon that will resolve quickly, but he has concerns it might not be natural.

"I have a sneaking suspicion it might not be natural, and I hope they get to the bottom of it through water testing or finding the source of the problem, whether it's a sewage leak or whatever it may be," he said.

His biggest fear is that larger marine life may be affected next.

"We have dolphins every day here, manatees. And I feel bad for them having to navigate these waters, smelling and looking like this. And I'm hoping this isn't harming the birds that are eating this. These fish that you saw. And I also hope it's not harming dolphins or manatees," Koskey said.

Koskey mentioned that a clothespin to the nose is necessary if the issue isn't fixed. The town of Fort Myers Beach has advised residents not to touch the water in the lagoon until further notice. Residents are heeding this advice, but they cannot escape the smell.

Koskey remarked, "It's usually got decent water, but it's usually a little bit murky, but never this color. But, the, the water in this lagoon is usually clean looking. Not this color or this smell."

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