Red Tide Health Alert Issued for Boca Grande Pass and Cayo Pelau
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has issued a red tide health alert for Boca Grande Pass and Cayo Pelau, located two miles south of Charlotte Harbor, following water sampling conducted on Monday.
Red tide is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) caused by high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a type of algae that releases potent toxins into the water and air. When these blooms occur, they can discolor the water and produce toxins that are harmful to marine life and can affect human health.
Visitors to these areas are advised to exercise caution, as exposure to red tide may cause skin irritation, rashes, and eye discomfort, including burning or soreness.
This alert follows last month’s detection of red tide in varying concentrations along the coastlines of Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties.
