Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Spring breakers may be exposed to another outbreak of red tide, which is being pushed by southerly winds to some of the region's most heavily visited beaches.

Winds from the north expected during a major cold front coming through Thursday should push the red tide offshore or back to the south, away from the beaches.

The FWC's daily sample map Friday showed that within the most recent eight days of sampling, blooms were detected near Punta Gorda Beach, Stump Pass, Little Gasparilla, Boca Grande and Blind Pass.

The measure would direct money toward technology geared toward reducing the nitrates that fuel the blooms.

A health advisory is being issued for many Pinellas beaches this weekend, with onshore breezes expected to make many red tide conditions worse.

Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to criticism that he's failed to declare a state of emergency, saying the state dedicated funding source to fight red tide and blue-green algae last year.

They say the state is directing resources for the cleanup, including money and spotter planes. But they maintain that a state of emergency declaration — which some have called for — won't change anything.

Red tide is still being found in Tampa Bay and along the beaches from Pasco to Sarasota counties.

Fish kills continue to pollute the waters around downtown St. Petersburg and smaller die-offs were reported in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The Department of Health in Pinellas County sent out the alert on Friday as a red tide bloom that has been found in Tampa Bay and along the county's beaches spread north to Sand Key.