Red tide bloom

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.

More frequent and localized Karenia brevis testing, plus a one-stop shop for all the latest red tide information are just some of the gaps Florida needs to fill when it comes to the toxic algae blooms, according to a recent study.

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.