Harbor Isle Lake Journal
Providing info & updates on the toxic cyanobacteria 'blue-green algae' in Harbor Isle neighborhood lake, St. Petersburg, FL
Along with other lake water quality resources for learning and support
Harbor Isle Lake is a man-made lake in the Harbor Isle Neighborhood of St. Pete, Florida. The lake receives storm water runoff, and it is also a City of St. Petersburg managed retention pond. Since July 2018, the lake has had observed noticeable sized, recurring toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom build-ups for over a year. It was confirmed toxic in January 2019 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL-DEP) after a citizen report, and reconfirmed in January, February, and August 2020, and January, October 2021, after further citizen reporting. In 2022, the FL-DEP continues to find detectable measurable Microcystin toxin levels from January to October. From October 2022 through 2023, Microcystin toxin continues to be confirmed with city contracted data.
It posed / poses a significant public health risk to the residents and anyone who visits the neighborhood, especially due to the unknown long-term health effects and the growing research on airborne toxins and harmful algal bloom exposures. There are 68 homes that surround the lake and 220 homes total within the neighborhood, with an approximate 400+ residents.
This website, Harbor Isle Lake Journal, tries to provide further documentation and information about this type of harmful algal bloom (HAB), the lake's history and water quality health, and current City actions in regards to solving this problem. The website's goals are to increase awareness and provide knowledge to create better informed citizens anywhere for lake issues, toxic blue green algae, and lake water quality improvements.
To explore Harbor Isle Lake Journal:
On a computer: On the left side menu, click on the page title to be directed to that specific page, or expand the menu icon (3 horizontal bars) in the top left corner of the screen to then view the pages available to visit
On a mobile/tablet: Click on the menu icon (3 horizontal bars) in the top left corner of the screen to expand the website's menu, then click on the interested page title
Or for quick-access: Click any of the blue buttons below to be directed to the related page
↑ Satellite Aerial of Harbor Isle Neighborhood | ~Jan/Feb 2020
Illustrates bright green toxic blue-green algae scum accumulations with westerly winds, and overall green tinted water.
Image Courtesy of: PCPAO Website
↑ Satellite Aerial of Harbor Isle Neighborhood | ~Jan/Feb 2019
Illustrates bright yellow-green toxic blue-green algae scum accumulations with westerly winds, and overall green-brown tinted water.
Image Courtesy of: PCPAO Website