Red Tide Alert Issued In Sarasota County: FL Department Of Health

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Elevated red tide levels have been detected at some Sarasota County beaches, according to a Florida Department of Health news release.

Affected beaches include Venice Beach, Service Club Park, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Beach, Caspersen Beach, Manasota Key and Blind Pass.

The elevated levels were found in Monday’s beach water samples, the FDOH in Sarasota County said. Signage has been posted at the affected beaches.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also detected red tide in water samples in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties, as well, Fox 4 reported.

The harmful algae blooms were ushered in following Hurricane Ian’s hit to Southwest Florida, marine researchers with the Florida Institute of Oceanography told the Associated Press. The storm also destroyed artificial reefs in the region.

The red tide outbreak poses a threat to sea life off the coast, including Manatees in Sarasota and Charlotte counties who rely on the seagrass in that area as a food source.

“Florida is at a crossroads, with a record number of manatees dying,” said J.P. Brooker, director of Florida conservation for the Ocean Conservancy, told the Associated Press. “We must keep this issue at the forefront, so leaders statewide will invest in solutions to improve water quality — protecting natural habitats to save our beloved manatees.”

It's also a health risk to humans. Some people exposed to red tide may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation like those associated with the common cold or seasonal sinus allergies, the department of health said. Some individuals with existing breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe effects.

Health officials recommend that people who are sensitive to red tide or experiencing symptoms avoid the beach or go into an air-conditioned space.

People are also advised not to eat shellfish or distressed or dead fish from areas affected by red tide. If caught fish are healthy, FDOH said to rinse their fillets with tap or bottled water and throw out the guts.

Pets and livestock should also be kept away from water, sea foam and dead sea life.

Florida Poison Control Centers have a toll-free 24/7 hotline for reporting illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide at 1-888-232-8635.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.