We’ll all be breathing easier — literally. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is watching as the red tide moves south, not north, and away from Pinellas beaches.
On Friday, August 10, it appeared that weather patterns would bring the bloom of karenia brevis north of the Sunshine Skyway, putting the Pinellas beaches at risk for the negative effects reported in Manatee County.
As early as Saturday morning, Bay News 9 reported that the FWC had revised that prediction. Now, as red tide moves south, it appears that the Pinellas coastline will be spared the fish kills, strong odors, and negative impacts on beachfront activities.
Earlier today, communities all along the Florida coastline staged demonstrations to show their distress over the environmental impact of red tide. Hands Along the Water protesters gathered at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach at 10 am Sunday morning. They joined hands to show support for finding solutions to the toxic blooms that periodically afflict the Florida coastline.
REMINDERS: If you have respiratory challenges, harmful algae blooms will make them worse. Wear a protective filter over your nose and mouth to prevent the inhalation of toxic particles.
Skin irritations can develop from swimming in infested waters. If you do swim in areas experiencing red tide, be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly after leaving the open waters to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Protect your pets! Dogs that romp in infested waters need to be rinsed, too. Not only to prevent skin irritation, but to prevent ingestion of the karenia brevis organism when they lick themselves.
Follow these links for important information and a current red tide update:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for tracking app
Ocean Circulation Group for tracking harmful algae blooms
Florida Department of Health for precautions to take
Pinellas County Environmental Management for local impact
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater for visitor information and beach news
Visit our past articles about red tide:
