Elevated Red Tide levels detected at all beaches in Sarasota.
Samples taken in the past few days continue to show elevated levels of red tide at Sarasota County beaches. The samples from Monday showed elevated levels of red tide at all 16 beaches that were sampled. Signs were posted to show that red tide is present.
The beaches affected include Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Beach, Caspersen Beach, Manasota Key, Blind Pass, Longboat Key, Bird Key Park/Ringling Causeway, North Lido, Lido Casino, South Lido, Siesta Key and Turtle Beach.
Red tides have been documented along Florida’s gulf coast since the 1840’s.
- The Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, produces a toxin that may kill marine animals and affect humans.
- A red tide bloom is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plant-like organisms).
It is important to realize that many people still enjoy the beaches during red tides. Respiratory irritation and dead fish are not always present. People may experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, and tearing) when the red tide organism is present along a coast and winds blow its aerosol onshore.
- People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions are advised to avoid red tide areas.
- Generally, symptoms are temporary.
- Swimming in waters with red tide is safe for most people.
- However, red tide may cause some people to suffer from skin irritation and burning eyes.
- If you experience irritation, get out of the water and thoroughly wash.