BRADENTON BEACH – The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) has issued health alerts due to the presence of red tide at the 10th Street Pier, 100 10th St. S. and the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S. in response to water samples taken on Nov. 18.
The red tide health alert issued on Nov. 15 for the former location of the Rod and Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, remains in effect.
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed at very low to medium concentrations in Manatee County by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Nov. 18.
Medium concentrations were reported at the Longboat Pass Boat Ramp. Low concentrations were reported near the former location of the Rod & Reel Pier and at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach. Very low concentrations were reported at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge.
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline over the past week offshore of Manatee County, according to the FWC.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions if near affected areas:
• Look for informational signage posted at most public beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together;
• Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning/sore eyes;
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated;
• Remain cautious and stay away from these locations, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions;
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications; and
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from these locations. If caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
Red tide can cause illness and death of other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep animals away from and out of the water and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, bathe it with soap and water as soon as possible.
