HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a health alert for Skyway Beach due to the presence of red tide.
This alert follows water sample analysis conducted on January 8th, 2025, which confirmed the presence of Karenia brevis (K. brevis), the algae that causes red tide.
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Red tide poses several health risks to humans and animals. Contact with red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning or sore eyes. The algae also release toxins into the air that can cause respiratory irritation, especially in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions. Additionally, red tide can harm marine life, leading to fish kills and posing risks to pets and livestock.
DOH-Hillsborough advises the public to take precautions when visiting or living near Skyway Beach:
- Check for informational signage at the beach or visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov for current water quality status.
- Avoid swimming or wading in areas with red tide.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water after any contact with red tide.
- Stay away from affected areas, particularly if you have chronic respiratory problems.
- If you live in a beach area, close your windows and run your air conditioner with a clean filter.
- Do not harvest or eat shellfish from the affected area. Finfish are safe to eat only if they are filleted, gutted, and rinsed with clean water.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water and any dead marine life. If your pet swims in red tide waters, wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
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Red tide is a natural phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico caused by high concentrations of K. brevis, a microscopic algae. Blooms typically form offshore and are carried to coastal areas by winds and currents.
If you experience symptoms from red tide exposure, contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. To report fish kills, either report online or call 800-636-0511. If you believe your pet has become ill due to red tide contact, consult your veterinarian.
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