Where is red tide in Florida right now? What to know about algae ahead of spring break
Floridians, brace yourself — spring break is almost here, which means hundreds of thousands visitors flocking to our beautiful beaches. However, regardless of if you're a native Floridian or a seasoned visitor to the state's coasts, it only takes a visit from one unwanted visitor to ruin any beach day — red tide.
Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring, single-celled organism belonging to a group of algae called dinoflagellates. Large concentrations can discolor water from red to brown, causing blooms to be called "red tides."
K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) but has been recorded on Florida's east coast and off the coast of North Carolina.
Worried red tide could ruin your upcoming spring break trip to the beach? Here's what to know.
According to both the USA TODAY Network and FWC databases, there are reports of low red tide between Brandon and St. Petersburg, as well as the Gasparilla Pass.
There are also reports of low to medium red tide in on the western most end of Key West.
This map shows whether any red tide or blue-green algae have been reported across Florida.
Having problems seeing the map? Open in a new browser.
Yes, it can be.
K. brevis produces brevetoxins capable of killing fish, birds, and other marine animals. It can also cause health problems in humans, particularly those with respiratory problems.
Yes, it does. The smell comes from a combination of rotting algae, dead fish, and bacteria.
Some people experience respiratory irritation when the red tide organism is present and winds blow onshore. According to the Florida Department of Health, symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are temporary and usually include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Teary eyes
FDOH officials also advise people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas
Most people can still swim in red tide, but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water.
If you do experience irritation while swimming, get out immediately and thoroughly wash off. Do not swim among dead fish, because they can be associated with harmful bacteria.
As for those wondering if their beach scrolls will also be impacted by red tide conditions, you may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation, especially when winds are blowing on shore.
Yes, you can. Just make sure it appears healthy and you cook it correctly. Do not eat any dead fish.
Florida Today notes people who eat shellfish contaminated with red tide can experience gastrointestinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscular aches, and tingling in the tongue, lips, throat, and extremities.
Symptoms usually appear within a few hours after eating contaminated shellfish and vanish in a few days.
According to the Florida Department of Health, red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can also change daily due to wind conditions and water currents.
While it can appear year-round, it is more common during the warm summer and fall months.
To report symptoms from Florida red tide or any aquatic toxin, call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.
To report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, call 800-636-0511.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Red tide map in Florida: What to know ahead of Spring Break 2025
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