Red Tide

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.

As red tide continues to plague Florida’s west coast, it also seems to continue expanding north.

One doctor recommends to either wear a mask and goggles or go indoors to help with the symptoms of red tide, and he says the toxic blooms are driving more patients to seek medical help.

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.

St. Petersburg officials ask the governor for help in combating red tide. That comes on top of a similar request by one of the top Democratic contenders for governor.

Thousands of fish continued to litter the St. Petersburg waterfront Monday, even after 15 tons had been scooped out of Tampa Bay by city crews.

Tons of dead fish have washed ashore in the wake of Tropical Storm Elsa. On Sunday, Pinellas health officials recommended that anyone with respiratory problems consider avoiding county beaches.