Florida’s coastal waters are showing signs of improvement as red tide levels have significantly decreased over the past week. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected at only background concentrations in three samples statewide.
According to the FWC report released March 21, 2025:
- Southwest Florida: No K. brevis was observed.
- Northwest Florida: K. brevis was detected at background concentrations in single samples from Okaloosa and Bay counties.
- Florida East Coast: K. brevis was detected at background concentrations in a single sample from Palm Beach County.
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The FWC, in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) and NOAA NCCOS, continues to utilize chlorophyll satellite imagery to monitor nearshore and offshore conditions. The previously observed patches of elevated surface chlorophyll have dissipated.
Notably, there were no reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide to the FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or partner organizations during the past week. Similarly, no reports of respiratory irritation linked to red tide were received.
Forecasts provided by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides indicate variable movement of surface waters and a net southeastern transport of subsurface waters in most areas from Pinellas County to northern Monroe County over the next 3.5 days.
The FWC will continue to closely monitor the situation, with the next status report scheduled for Friday, March 28th.
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