ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For the first time since red tide emerged several weeks ago in surrounding counties, Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp on July 12, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
Levels were very low at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria, at Key Royale in Holmes Beach and at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 12. Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 18 samples collected from Manatee County waters.
The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.
Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Lee counties.
Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Lee counties.
Some scientists claim that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater from the Piney Point fertilizer plant in March and April could be feeding the algae bloom.
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, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.
Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.
