Dead fish surface at Newton Park

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received multiple reports of dead fish in Central Florida. 

Since Feb. 1, the FWC has received more than 500 reports of fish kills, both in freshwater and saltwater, and this week, the commission received reports of dead fish surfacing at Lake Apopka. 

"We have received multiple reports of a fish kill in the area, and photos provided to FWC confirm the fish are tilapia," Research Communications Kelly Richmond said. "This mortality is being attributed to recent cold weather conditions." 

Richmond said FWC anticipates more reports as fish die from secondary infections caused by cold stress.  

"The best thing we can do is to remind folks to report this to our fish kill hotline: 800-636-0511 or online at myfwc.com/reportfishkill," Richmond said. 

As a cold front nears Central Florida, it is expected that more fish will surface along the shoreline at Newton Park.