Fort Myers Beach officials issue fertilizer reminders after Buccaneer Lagoon fish kill

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — Fort Myers Beach homeowners along Buccaneer Lagoon are being reminded to follow fertilizer rules after a fish kill earlier this month.

Water samples conducted by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation indicate fertilizer runoff likely played a role in the fish kill reported on March 13.

Town leaders say they are still working to determine exactly where the runoff originated, but for now, they are taking a broader approach focused on prevention.

The town says warnings have been issued and staff have gone door-to-door along the lagoon, speaking with both homeowners and business owners about following fertilizer rules. Letters were sent to vacant properties.

Town leaders say that all properties along the lagoon — both residential and commercial — received the same reminder.

Town officials say the entire area near the lagoon is under investigation. No specific properties have been issued a violation in connection to the fish kill at this time.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has ordinances that restrict fertilizer use to protect waterways and natural resources. Under those rules, fertilizer use is prohibited during the rainy season from June 1 through September 30, as well as when heavy rain is forecast or when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning is in effect.

Fertilizer cannot be applied within 15 feet of any water body or wetland, including lagoons like Buccaneer, and is also not allowed on impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, and sidewalks.

The town also requires fertilizer products to contain at least 65% slow-release nitrogen, and phosphorus is not permitted unless a soil test shows a deficiency.

When fertilizer application is allowed, residents must limit use to no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn and use a spreader deflector to keep fertilizer away from water and hard surfaces.

There are early signs that the lagoon may be recovering, according to the town. Manatees were spotted in Buccaneer Lagoon on Monday — a positive indicator of improving water conditions.

Town officials say they are continuing to review information. For now, they emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and no blame is being assigned.

WINK News will continue to follow this developing story.