As if you didn't have enough to be weary about swimming in our lakes, alligators, drunk boaters, water moccasins, now we have an unseen danger, amoebas (or is it amoebae? my apologies to my Latin teacher). Since June, three small children have died from amoebic encephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by amoeba that breed in water over 82 degrees. All of these deaths have occurred in our sister county, Orange County.

Many recreational boaters and swimmers have been steering clear of the lakes in fear of these amoeba. With the chances of catching the disease being lower than being struck by lightning, is it really necessary to completely restrict all water activities? I know Orange County has put up warning signs around their lakes (link), but has Polk County done anything? Have you seen anything proactive in any of our 522 local lakes? Has this done anything to keep you away from our lakes? Post your responses in the comments.