Red tide bloom

Fish kills and respiratory irritations suspected to be related to red tide have been reported from Pinellas County down to Lee County.

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.

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.

A red tide bloom in the Gulf has reached the coast as far north as Pinellas, causing fish kills and respiratory irritations, according to state wildlife officials.

Scientists say a red tide bloom is making its way into southwest Florida bays and killing sea turtles.