Latest news with #FloridaDepartmentofHealth
Newsweek
a day ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Dog Needs Bathroom During Storm—Then Lightning Strikes in His Yard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A golden retriever puppy from Florida was working up his courage to go potty during a thunderstorm when lightning suddenly hit his yard, and his reaction has left users across TikTok in stitches. In a viral video shared on the platform in May under the username @captainthegoldie, the puppy, Captain, can be seen cautiously stepping outside to go potty in the storm, when a bright flash lights up the yard, followed by a loud rumble. Immediately the pup turns around and rushes back inside, letting fear have the best of him. "When you really have to pee but lightning strikes in your front yard," reads layover text in the clip, as the poster tries to encourage their dog to go out again and finish his business, but he won't. "I'm brave but... that was SCARY," the caption says. While he may not like thunderstorms, Captain must learn how to live with them. The state of Florida, also known as the lightning capital of the United States, seems to experience more lightning strikes per square mile than any other state. The Florida Department of Health says that Florida experiences an average of 1.2 million strikes annually. Each lightning bolt contains up to 1 billion volts of electricity, and can reach temperatures of about 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the surface of the sun. "These intense bursts of energy can cause severe burns, structural damage, and even wildfires. Additionally, approximately 10 percent of people struck by lightning lose their lives, highlighting the need for proper precautions," says the Florida Department of Health. A stock image shows a golden retriever puppy sitting by the front door. A stock image shows a golden retriever puppy sitting by the front door. getty images The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 890,100 views and 88,900 likes on the platform. One user, William, said in the comments: "Hopefully that will get better. I have a golden retriever and Labrador retriever. A nuclear bomb could detonate outside and I doubt they would care." Brittney Dickey said: "My dogs refuse and will hold until the world ends before going out when it rains. Even my water loving yellow lab." Mimi wrote: "Oh no!!! Poor thing. They cannot get away from that fast enough!!!" Newsweek reached out to @captainthegoldie for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake, Indian River County
A toxic algae bloom in Blue Cypress Lake prompted a May 22 health advisory warning people to avoid contact with the water. Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, was detected in the center of the lake on May 15 — seven days before the Florida Department of Health issued a public health advisory. The level of the toxin microcystin was 0.86, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The toxin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. None of that information was included in the DOH health advisory. It's the second such advisory in as many days. Potentially toxic algae was found in a canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca, state officials warned in a May 21 health advisory. DEP is awaiting test results to determine whether the algae is toxic. Blue Cypress Lake has experienced toxic algae outbreaks in previous years, including 2018 and 2016. Biosolids were suspected of causing the latter. Pressley Ranch, which lies southwest of the lake, had spread partially treated human sewage sludge over 3,059 acres of pastureland to help grow Bahia grass for cattle grazing. Toxic algae is most common in the hotter, wetter, summer months. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They come predominately from agricultural runoff but also urban development. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Toxins can be harmful to the ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic animals, as well as people. Children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may be at risk even at low concentrations, DOH stated. Blue Cypress Lake: Is phosphorus pollution from Pressley Ranch's biosolids? Algae advisory: Florida DOH warns of algae in Martin County on C-44 Canal side of Lake Okeechobee The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored or water that smells unpleasant. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. Report a bloom to DEP online or via its toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903. Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere Water Management Area, Headwaters Lake
Toxic algae in Headwaters Lake prompted a May 30 health advisory for the waterway, which is also known as the Fellsmere Water Management Area. Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, contained the toxin microcystin at a level of 0.43 on May 27, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. That was three days before the Florida Department of Health alerted the public to be careful around the lake. The toxin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. None of that information was included in the DOH health advisory. This is the third such advisory this month. DOH warned of toxic algae in Blue Cypress Lake on May 22, and of potentially toxic algae in the C-44 Canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca on May 21. Blue Cypress Lake has experienced toxic algae outbreaks in previous years, including 2018 and 2016. Biosolids were suspected of causing the latter. Pressley Ranch, which lies southwest of the lake, had spread partially treated human sewage sludge over 3,059 acres of pastureland to help grow Bahia grass for cattle grazing. Toxic algae is most common in the hotter, wetter, summer months. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They come predominately from agricultural runoff but also urban development. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Toxins can be harmful to the ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic animals, as well as people. Children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may be at risk even at low concentrations, DOH stated. Blue Cypress Lake: DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in this Indian River County lake Lake Okeechobee: DOH warns of algae in C-44 Canal in Martin County The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored or water that smells unpleasant. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. Report a bloom to DEP online or via its toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903. Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere lake
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
State testing for possible blue-green algae at Lake Crago in Polk County
The Brief Water sample testing is underway to determine if blue-green algae is in Lake Crago. State health officials said blue-green algae may be present by the boat ramp near the recreational center. The bacteria is common in Florida and can grow year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. LAKELAND, Fla. - Water sample testing is underway to determine if blue-green algae is in Lake Crago. State health officials said blue-green algae may be present by the boat ramp near the recreational center. Dig deeper The bacteria is common in Florida and can grow year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "When the water gets warmer and temperatures get warmer, and an abundance of nutrients are found in the water. It can sometimes cause these types of algae to bloom," said Scott Sjoblom with the Florida Department of Health. The algae can produce toxins harmful to humans and pets. They can also affect aquatic life and marine life. What you can do Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored or water that smells unpleasant. Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects algae samples, and the results can be viewed on their Algal Bloom Dashboard. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Resources for Tampa Bay seniors, others needing hurricane evacuation help
Among the Tampa Bay locals who were killed during last year's historic hurricane season, many shared a tragic trait in common: They were over 60 years old. Most lived in mandatory evacuation zones but didn't leave. Some also had mobility issues, such as needing walkers to get around. Jeff Johnson, the state director for AARP Florida, which advocates for people over the age of 50, said that in addition to physical hurdles, older adults also may have a harder time, emotionally, leaving their homes and not knowing what it'll look like when they come back. After living somewhere for decades, possibly filled with items that represent friends and family who have passed away, the process can be difficult. But it's important to heed mandatory evacuation calls. Johnson noted that even if residents think they're safe from storm surge on an upper floor of a condo high-rise, they need to consider what it would be like to live there without any power or water for days, including if the elevators go out in tall buildings. Some people of all ages might need help evacuating, too, because they lack transportation or the financial means to book a hotel room. For people who need help evacuating ahead of a hurricane, there are resources available. Residents who rely on medication, oxygen or power can add their names to the state's special needs registry before a hurricane looms. That registry, run by the Florida Department of Health in coordination with county governments, is at Pinellas County: County officials encourage residents with medical needs, who lack transportation, or need help walking or getting out of bed to register for the county's special needs program. Residents can ask their home health care provider about registering or do so online at You can also request a form by calling Pinellas County Emergency Management at 727-464-3800. Hillsborough County: Special needs residents should register at the state health department website above, according to county officials. The Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool at includes real-time shelter locations, evacuation zones and HART bus evacuation routes. For assistance, the county's main information line is 813-272-5900. Residents can also call the storm information line when emergency staff are activated: 833-427-8676. Pasco County: Residents with special needs can find information on registering, plus a short video on how to register, at Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, said residents can also call 800-729-3413 with questions on evacuation orders or for assistance getting out. Times staff writer Justin Garcia and Times/Herald staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report. A version of this story was previously published in the Tampa Bay Times. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida's most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. For Tampa Bay, Helene was the worst storm in a century More hurricanes are slamming the Gulf Coast. Is this the new normal? Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here's where to look. Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits.
