Red tide, caused by the organism Karenia brevis, continues to impact Florida’s Gulf Coast. Over the past week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has detected the harmful algal bloom in 76 samples collected from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Significant concentrations of red tide have been observed in areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier counties. As a result, fish kills and respiratory irritation have been reported in Southwest Florida.
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The FWC is closely monitoring the situation and advises residents and visitors to stay updated on the latest red tide forecasts and advisories.
If you experience respiratory irritation, consider limiting your time outdoors and staying indoors. Additionally, it’s important to keep pets away from affected waters.
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