Cleaning up dead fish on Fort Myers Beach: ‘A lot of fish all over the place’

Hundreds of dead fish line Southwest Florida’s beaches and many people can’t stand the smell or sight on Fort Myers Beach.

The Lee County Health Department said that the waters near Lynn Hall Memorial Park, near Time Square, were tested and have “alert levels” of Red Tide.

Fort Myers Beach’s environmental services, along with FDEP, have been working with heavy equipment since earlier this week to try and alleviate some of the issues. They have made some progress while beachgoers relax on the beach.

“Beautiful day at the beach. Just wish it didn’t smell so bad,” beachgoers Hank Simmons said.

You don’t need to be an expert to realize Red Tide is rampant along Fort Myers Beach.

“There was a lot of fish all over the place,” beachgoers John Kohr said.

“I can feel it in my throat,” Kohr said.

Despite the Red Tide, people continue showing up to the beach. They keep going because they said it’s manageable.

“It’s not that bad today,” Kohr said.

WINK News said the town’s environmental services manager began working with Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection to get permission to bring in the heavy equipment to make quick work of all the fish. Crews are using a surf rake machine and other heavy equipment to pick up all the dead fish. Then after getting them all together, the dead fish will be sent to a landfill.

While the idea of many dead fish may keep some people away, Simmons has a simple explanation for why he can’t stay away.

“This is home. Fort Myers Beach is home for me. So I’ll still come out here and check it out,” Simmons said.

Crews told WINK News they are going to take it day-by-day and will be moving to work on Bonita Beach too.