Holiday Lake neighbors demand answers as algae spreads across water

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — Neighbors living on Holiday Lake say an algae bloom has spread across parts of the water, raising concerns about what's causing it and why it's happening now.

Robert Fitzgerald, who lives on the lake, said the algae is affecting how residents use the water.

"We can't use the boats with the algae the way it is, and we can barely use the jet skis in this lake," Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald said he's lived on the lake for nearly 10 years and has never seen it this bad. "This is the worst ever," he said.

As more people noticed the algae, residents began reaching out to local agencies for answers. "They're all contacting the city. They're contacting Hyacinth Control. I've notified DEP... and I figured I'd throw you all into the mix," Fitzgerald said.

Kenneth Tkachuk, another resident on the lake, pointed out the algae from the back of his home. "It was not there yesterday... the algae on top of the water," Tkachuk said.

The city told WINK News there are two factors at play. First, every rainy season it lowers adjustable weirs to create extra storage before heavy rainfall.

Second, officials said the severe drought has left water levels lower than normal. The city said the algae bloom does not have one single cause.

When WINK News shared that explanation with residents, they remained unconvinced. "We haven't had any heavy rains yet," Tkachuk said.

WINK News reached out to several agencies to see what could be done about the algae problem and will continue to follow the city's plans to address the issue.