A massive fish kill in Sawgrass Lakes has prompted an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the City of Port St. Lucie. The incident, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,000 fish, has raised concerns among residents and local officials about water quality and public health in this Port St. Lucie community. Recent events have also highlighted the community’s ongoing environmental challenges, such as advocacy for manatee protection zones in local waterways.
Fish Kill in Sawgrass Lakes: Details and Timeline
The fish kill in Sawgrass Lakes was first reported to city officials on August 14, 2025. According to city spokesperson Scott Samples, the city responded promptly by testing oxygen levels in the affected lake. Results indicated normal oxygen levels at the time of testing, but the cause of the fish deaths remains undetermined.
Between August 14 and August 19, residents and officials observed roughly 1,000 dead fish, including tilapia and other species, in the 21-acre lake within the Sawgrass Lakes community. The city and FWC are working together to identify the source of the problem.
Port St. Lucie and FWC Response to the Fish Kill
Upon notification, Port St. Lucie officials collected comprehensive water samples from the lake. These samples were sent to a laboratory for analysis, with expedited testing underway. The city is collaborating closely with the FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to determine if harmful algal blooms or other environmental factors played a role.
According to Jonathan Veach, spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, city staff noted low dissolved oxygen levels and a pH of 9 during their investigation. These conditions may indicate the presence of an algal bloom, which can lead to fish kills, especially during the summer months. Similar environmental threats have prompted calls for boating restrictions to safeguard manatees in the C-24 Canal and other sensitive areas.
Water Quality and Public Health Precautions
Bob Shonce, president of the North Panther Trace and vice president of the Sawgrass Lakes master homeowners associations, has advised residents not to fish or eat fish from the affected lake. He also ordered the North Panther Trace HOA irrigation system, which draws water from the lake, to be suspended as a precaution.
“I don’t know what’s in the lake. Nobody knows what’s in the lake,” Shonce stated, emphasizing the importance of public safety until the cause is confirmed. As of now, only fish have been reported impacted, with no other animals affected.
Environmental Factors and Recent History in Port St. Lucie
This is not the first major fish kill reported in Port St. Lucie in recent months. In June 2025, residents observed thousands of dead fish, including carp and other large species, in a tributary of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. That event was linked to aquatic vegetation management activities, including herbicide spraying to clear drainage-blocking plants. The community has also seen increased attention on efforts to protect manatees in the C-24 Canal as part of broader environmental stewardship.
However, city officials confirmed that no herbicide spraying has occurred in the Sawgrass Lakes area since 2022. Additionally, Port St. Lucie Utility Systems verified that no reclaimed water, wastewater, or chemicals have been released into the affected body of water.
Potential Causes of Fish Kills in Port St. Lucie
Fish kills can result from several environmental factors, including:
- Low dissolved oxygen levels
- Algal blooms, particularly in warm weather
- Sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature
- Introduction of pollutants or chemicals
In this case, the combination of low dissolved oxygen and elevated pH may suggest an algal bloom, but officials are awaiting laboratory results for confirmation.
Community Impact and Ongoing Updates
The Sawgrass Lakes HOA and city officials have been in regular communication since the incident was reported. Residents are being kept informed of developments and are urged to avoid fishing or consuming fish from the lake until further notice.
The city and FWC continue to monitor water quality and will release additional information as laboratory results become available. The investigation remains a priority for both local and state agencies concerned with environmental health in Port St. Lucie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Kill in Sawgrass Lakes Port St. Lucie
What caused the fish kill in Sawgrass Lakes, Port St. Lucie?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the city and FWC. Early findings suggest low dissolved oxygen and high pH levels, which may indicate an algal bloom, but lab results are pending.
Can residents fish or eat fish from the Sawgrass Lakes lake?
No, officials and the HOA have advised residents not to fish or eat fish from the lake until the cause of the fish kill is confirmed and the water is deemed safe.
Are other animals or people at risk from the fish kill in PSL?
So far, only fish have been reported affected. No other animals or people have been impacted, but precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.
Where is Sawgrass Lakes located in Port St. Lucie?
Sawgrass Lakes is a residential community in Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, Florida. It features a large lake where the fish kill occurred.
How are fish kills investigated in Port St. Lucie?
City and state officials collect water samples, test for oxygen levels, pH, and possible contaminants, and consult with environmental agencies. Results guide public health recommendations and future prevention efforts.
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