OCOEE, Fla. – Members of an Ocoee fitness facility are expressing concerns after learning about the Florida Department of Health’s investigation into potential health-related incidents at their gym.
The investigation centers around the Crunch Fitness facility located on Silver Star Road in Ocoee and almost 30 exposures to Legionnaires’ disease that may be linked to the gym, according to the law firm Legionnaires Lawyers, which referred to the situation as an “outbreak.”
“I just think that people should know. People are coming here to work out to be safe, to be healthy, not to walk into a situation to get sick,” said gym member Carla Jones.
Jones said that when she inquired about the situation at the facility, she was directed to posted information.
“I guess they got a board of information,” Jones said. “I said OK, but why would we read about it? But why would that not be something you tell people when they walk in?”
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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.
Come Wednesday, Dec. 3, Crunch Fitness reported in the following statement that the Florida Department of Health in Orange County saw no growth of Legionella pneumophila in any of the specimens it collected from the gym on Nov. 21.
Recent testing conducted by the Florida Department of Health has confirmed that all 20 environmental samples collected at Crunch Ocoee — including nine bulk-water samples and 11 swab samples — tested negative for Legionella. The Department performed an extensive evaluation of our facility, including the spa systems, showers, hot water heaters, water fountains, bathroom sinks, and the exterior water main. Every sample showed zero evidence of Legionella.
We understand there is heightened community attention following reports of Legionellosis cases in the wider Ocoee and Pine Hills areas. While health officials continue their broader investigation, the Department of Health’s comprehensive testing into the identified systems has found no current indication that Crunch Ocoee’s water systems contained the presence of Legionella pneumophila.
We appreciate the Department of Health’s diligence and transparency throughout this process. Crunch Ocoee will continue to work closely with local and state officials to support public health efforts. The safety and well-being of our members and staff remain our highest priority, and we are committed to upholding the rigorous standards our community expects and deserves.
Crunch Fitness
Note: This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
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