Red tide continues to affect areas of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with high concentrations detected in multiple locations.
Over the past week, the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was found in 76 water samples. Bloom concentrations were present in 18 samples, primarily offshore of Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties.
Affected Areas:
- Southwest Florida: Red tide is most prevalent in Southwest Florida, with high concentrations observed offshore and in some inshore areas. Elevated chlorophyll levels, indicative of red tide blooms, were detected along approximately 160 miles of coastline, extending from southern Pinellas County to Lee County.
- Northwest Florida: Low concentrations of red tide were detected in one sample from Franklin County.
- East Coast: No red tide was observed along Florida’s East Coast.
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Impacts:
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties. Respiratory irritation, a common symptom of red tide exposure, was also reported in these counties.
Forecast:
Forecasts predict that red tide may move northward and westward in some areas over the next few days.
Stay Informed:
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay updated on red tide conditions. Check the latest reports and forecasts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before heading to the beach.
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