Florida’s Gulf Coast continues to experience low levels of red tide, according to the latest update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). While the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 46 samples collected over the past week, bloom concentrations were not observed.
Southwest Florida:
- Pinellas County: Background to very low concentrations in and offshore.
- Hillsborough County: Background to low concentrations in and offshore.
- Manatee County: Background to low concentrations in and offshore.
- Sarasota County: Background to low concentrations offshore.
- Charlotte County: Background to very low concentrations in and offshore.
- Lee County: Background concentrations.
- Monroe County: Background concentrations offshore.
READ: Another Florida Panther Killed In Vehicle Collision
Northwest Florida:
- Bay County: Background concentrations in one sample.
East Coast:
- No red tide observed.
Despite the low concentrations, fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Southwest Florida, from and/or offshore of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Collier, and Monroe counties. Respiratory irritation was also reported in the same region.
The FWC continues to monitor the situation using chlorophyll satellite imagery to track offshore patches suspected to contain K. brevis. Current images show slightly elevated chlorophyll levels offshore of the Panhandle and from Pinellas to Monroe counties.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
