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Red tide is increasing in southern Sarasota County

map of red tide
Mary Harper
/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Map of red tide

Red tide is also being found at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

Large amounts of red tide are being reported in southern Sarasota County.

The latest report from state environmental officials shows heavy concentrations of the toxin around Venice and Blind Pass Beach. More moderate amounts were found this week at Turtle Beach and to the south of Venice. Low concentrations are still present at Bradenton Beach and around Lido Key.

Red tide is also being reported at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Medium concentrations were found at the South Sunshine Skyway fishing pier, with lower amounts at Pass-a-Grille and Fort DeSoto.

Fish kills and respiratory irritation associated with red tide were also reported this week in Sarasota County.

Map of red tide hotspots
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Map of red tide hotspots

Steve Newborn is a WUSF reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.
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