Red Tide

The untimely arrival of red tide during the spring break period might concern some visitors to the greater Tampa Bay region.

The toxic Karenia brevis algae has returned to the Gulf Coast for another year, killing fish and causing health problems in people.

Red tide is now affecting beaches along the central Pinellas coast. Winds from the south are expected to continue pushing the blooms northward.

Southerly winds are pushing the red tide blooms northward into Pinellas County.

Southerly winds are pushing red tide north along the Gulf coast beaches in Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties.

The worst outbreak of red tide in weeks is being reported along much of the Gulf Coast.

Redfish are big, brawny fighters and key contributors to Florida’s $13.8 billion recreational fishing industry. But redfish have a weak spot: They faithfully return to the same waters each year to spawn. This past fall, Hurricane Ian and red tide hit West Central Florida at a critical spawning time, delivering a one-two punch to a fish that is back in the conservation spotlight.

The toxin continues to be found in an arc ranging from Fort DeSoto to south of Venice, and into Lee and Charlotte counties.

Red tide has been found in southwest Florida since Hurricane Ian came ashore.

While red tide is no longer being found along the Pinellas beaches, it is still found along Sarasota beaches and to the south.

Red tide has been reported at Buck Key by Blind Pass, Gasparilla Island State Park by Boca Grande Pass, and Tarpon Bay Road Beach and Lighthouse Beach, both on Sanibel.

Red tide is finally receding along Gulf of Mexico beaches for the first time since Hurricane Ian came ashore in late September.