Red Tide

The lower amounts of the toxin were detected after several weeks of medium and high concentrations were reported along the Tampa Bay area coasts.

The latest state report on red tide shows no more heavy concentration of the toxin were found. However, fish kills and respiratory irritation associated with red tide were reported detected.

The heaviest concentrations of the toxin were found this week at four locations around Venice and at Indian Mound Park, near Englewood. Fish kills and respiratory irritation were also reported.

The latest report from state environmental officials shows heavy concentrations of the toxin around Venice and Blind Pass Beach. Fish kills and respiratory irritation were also reported.

Red tide comes from an organism that occurs naturally in the ocean. But people can make these harmful algal blooms worse.

The alert is in response to a water sample taken Dec. 30. People can experience varying degrees of eye, skin and respiratory irritation from red tide.

Low concentrations of the toxin were found this past week around downtown and the Sunshine Skyway. Also, respiratory irritation was reported along the Sarasota County beaches.

Concentrations of red tide are being found in large quantities, especially off Sarasota and Manatee county beaches.

Heavier concentrations were found this past week at several beaches in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Respiratory irritation was also reported over the past week in Sarasota County.

Low concentrations of the toxin were detected this past week at New Pass Dock in Sarasota Bay, on the north end of Lido Key.