Red tide improves in Sarasota and Manatee, but respiratory irritation could persist

Jesse Mendoza, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read

The red tide bloom that has plagued local waters since Hurricane Ian has largely quelled in Sarasota and Manatee counties over recent weeks, although samples show that low levels of red tide continue to persist throughout the region.

The concentration of Karenia Brevis, the organism that causes red tide, has dropped below bloom level throughout most of the Sarasota and Manatee waters, according to data published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday.

Samples this week show that medium levels of red tide can be found near Bay Walk Park in New Pass, which is the narrow waterway located between Longboat Key and Lido Key. Red tide is considered a bloom when concentrations reach "medium" levels.

Florida red tide map:Current status

S.W. beach water quality map:See test results for your favorite beach

And:Red tide is blooming offshore from Southwest Florida communities hit hardest by Ian

Most other samples taken in Sarasota County this week show "low" or "very low" concentrations of Karenia Brevis, while samples taken in Manatee County primarily show "very low" concentrations near Anna Maria Island and "low" concentrations near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County issued an advisory on Wednesday stating that red tide continues to be found in water samples taken from all 16 Sarasota County beaches this week.

Sample data published this week by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission show red tide has dropped below bloom levels throughout most of the Sarasota and Manatee County region.
Sample data published this week by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission show red tide has dropped below bloom levels throughout most of the Sarasota and Manatee County region.

Those beaches include North Lido Beach, Lido Casino Beach, South lido Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Beach, Casperson Beach, Manasota Key Beach, and Blind Pass Beach, according to the department. Longboat Key Beach and Bird Key Park near the Ringling Causeway were added to the advisory this week as well.

Samples show that bloom conditions continue to be found further south, in Lee and Monroe counties, where Karenia Brevis continues to be measured at medium or high concentrations.

A dead redfish on Lido Beach during a 2021 red tide bloom.
A dead redfish on Lido Beach during a 2021 red tide bloom.

"While current red tide cell counts remain at low to medium levels, some people 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 stated in the advisory. "Some individuals with existing breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe effects."

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Red tide conditions improve in Sarasota and Manatee