OCOEE, Fla. – Patrons of a fitness center in Ocoee are raising alarms following the Florida Department of Health’s probe into possible health issues linked to their gym.

The scrutiny is focused on the Crunch Fitness facility situated on Silver Star Road, where nearly 30 potential cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported. The law firm, Legionnaires Lawyers, has characterized the situation as an “outbreak.”

“I believe it’s crucial for people to be informed. They come here to exercise, aiming to stay fit and healthy, not to risk falling ill,” remarked gym-goer Carla Jones.

Jones shared that when she sought clarification on the matter, she was pointed towards a notice board within the facility.

“Apparently, there’s a board with information,” Jones mentioned. “I thought, why should this be something we need to read about? Shouldn’t this be communicated to us as we enter?”

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ disease is characterized as a serious form of pneumonia. The CDC notes that the disease:

• Can be contracted through breathing in water droplets.

• Is not typically transmitted from person to person.

• May present symptoms including cough, fever, and muscle aches.

Legionnaires Lawyers, a law firm specializing in Legionnaires’ disease cases, describes one confirmed hospitalization and 28 potential exposures that the Florida Department of Health in Orange County believes may be connected to the facility.

“The Orange County Health Department has initiated an investigation into possible Legionnaires’ disease cases in Ocoee, FL. A key focus of the investigation is the Crunch Fitness location on Silver Star Road, a facility that was previously an LA Fitness where health officials investigated three Legionnaires’ cases back in 2017,” the law firm’s website states.

At least one Ocoee woman who confirmed she is a member of the Ocoee Crunch Fitness location has been hospitalized and diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, according to the law firm’s website.

Crunch Fitness has confirmed it is cooperating with health officials and has, out of an abundance of caution, closed off parts of the gym to conduct thorough water testing of its pool and spa systems through certified third-party specialists. The company noted that it spent over $5 million renovating the facility, including the HVAC and aquatic systems, prior to its 2024 opening.

The health department has stated that it does not comment on ongoing epidemiology investigations.

Despite the ongoing testing, the facility remains open and the confirmed source of the illness has not yet been determined by health officials.

When News 6 reached out for comment at the facility, management declined to provide a statement and requested privacy on their premises.

Jones said she opted not to proceed with her workout after speaking with facility staff.

“We need to be safe in that environment,” she said.

Note: This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

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