HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a health alert due to the presence of red tide near Mullet Key.
This alert follows a water sample taken on December 13, 2024, and advises the public to exercise caution in and around the affected area.
Public Health Precautions:
The DOH-Hillsborough recommends the following precautions for residents and visitors near Mullet Key:
- Stay Informed: Look for informational signs posted at public beaches and check the current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.
- Avoid Contact: Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. It can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning or sore eyes.
- Wash Thoroughly: If you come into contact with red tide, wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Respiratory Concerns: Those with chronic respiratory conditions should be especially cautious and stay away from the affected area.
- Indoor Precautions: Residents living in beach areas should close windows and ensure their air conditioner filters are maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Seafood Safety: Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. Finfish caught alive and appearing healthy are safe to eat if they are filleted, the guts are discarded, and the fillets are rinsed with tap or bottled water.
- Protect Pets and Livestock: Red tide can be harmful to animals. Keep pets and livestock out of the water, away from sea life, and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in affected waters, wash them thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
READ: Red Tide Continues To Impact Florida’s Gulf Coast
What is Red Tide?
Red tide is caused by high concentrations of Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a microscopic alga (dinoflagellate) found in the Gulf of Mexico that produces toxins. It typically forms naturally offshore, often in late summer or early fall, and is carried to coastal waters by winds and currents. High concentrations of K. brevis can discolor the water, giving it a red or brown hue. More information on the appearance of red tide can be found at Protecting Florida Together.
Health Impacts of Red Tide:
K. brevis produces potent neurotoxins called brevetoxins, which can be harmful to humans, pets, fish, and wildlife. Wind and wave action can rupture K. brevis cells, releasing toxins into the air, which can cause varying degrees of eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised, and those with chronic respiratory conditions, may experience more severe symptoms.
READ: Florida Panther Dies In Vehicle Collision: FWC
For more information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage.
Where to Find Current Water Status Information:
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regularly collects and analyzes red tide samples. Current information on Florida’s water quality, harmful algae blooms, and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together. You can also subscribe to receive notifications about changes in water quality in your area.
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