Residents Warned After Red Tide Advisory Issued In Manatee County

BRADENTON, FLA. — Local health officials on Thursday issued a warning for local residents who may be swimming at Manatee County beaches after low levels of the organism that causes red tide still remains present in local waters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionreleased the findings on Thursday when officials announced that background to low concentrations of Karenia brevis were found in Manatee County, including around Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

The Florida Department of Health also reported that fish kills had been reported by the FWC over the past week due to red tide, officials said. Health officials said that residents swimming in the county should be aware of dead fish and should avoid those areas. Health Department officials also said that anyone who suffers from chronic respiratory issues should likely avoid county beaches due to current water conditions.

Residents with those conditions could experience mild throat, nose, and eye irritation — similar to symptoms associated with a common cold — if they are exposed to the red tide bloom.

The findings come from 11 water samples which were recently collected. Health officials said that a full report is expected to be released on Friday. In addition to Manatee County, FWC personnel reported that small levels of K. brevis had been found in the water in Sarasota County where fish kills had also been reported in 12 water samples, the health department reported on Thursday.