ANNA MARIA ISLAND – High concentrations of red tide were again discovered last week at the 10th Street Pier in Bradenton Beach for the second week in a row, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
Medium concentrations were detected that day in water samples taken at the Rod n’ Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach and at Key Royale (School Key) in Holmes Beach. Very low concentrations were found at the Palma Sola Bay bridge in Bradenton, according to the report.
Red tide began appearing in mid-April after 215 million gallons of contaminated water was discharged into Tampa Bay from Piney Point, a former phosphate plant. The water contained the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as fertilizer for red tide. The discharge was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to prevent contaminated water in a holding pond on top of a compromised gypsum stack from flooding the area. Piney Point is the subject of three pending lawsuits and is in receivership.
Fish kills and respiratory irritation related to red tide were reported in Manatee County and Pinellas and Sarasota counties, among others.
Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to an air-conditioned space with closed windows and a clean A/C filter. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised.
Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of red tide. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.
Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Updated red tide forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.
