High concentrations of the red tide organism Karenia brevis were detected further south this week along Florida's Gulf coast.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's report Friday shows that for the first time, the high concentrations are being found off Charlotte and Lee counties. Just last week, the organism was detected in low to background concentrations in those counties.
The FWC's daily sample map Friday showed that within the most recent eight days of sampling, red tide blooms were detected near Punta Gorda Beach, Stump Pass, Little Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande, and Blind Pass.
A red tide bloom was first detected last week off the coast of Sarasota County and Friday's report shows it is still there.
Respiratory irritation that is suspected to be related to the bloom was still being reported in Sarasota County this past week to the FWC, as well. Although the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System's Red Tide Respiratory Forecast showed very low respiratory risks up and down Florida's west coast Friday.
For Collier County, only background to low concentrations were observed offshore.
No fish kills have been reported to the FWC this season so far.
