DOH-Lee lifts red tide alert for islands, more
On March 14, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) lifted the health alerts issued onDec. 9, Dec. 10, Dec. 26, Jan. 3, Jan. 31, Feb. 4, Feb. 5, Feb. 6, Feb. 10 and Feb. 12 for the presence of red tide near multiple locations.
The locations included: Boca Grande Pass, Bonita Beach Park (6.3 miles west of mainland), Bonita Beach Park (7.7 miles west of mainland), Bokeelia (3 miles north of Charlotte Harbor), Bokeelia Fishing Pier, Bowman’s Beach (5.5 miles of mainland), Buck Key (1.9 miles northeast of Pine Island Sound), Captiva Pass, Captiva Rocks (southwest of Pine Island Sound), Cayo Costa (16 miles west of mainland), Cork Island (west of Pine Island Sound), Cape Haze (2.2 miles southeast of Charlotte Harbor), Fort Myers Beach (2.3 miles south of mainland), Gasparilla Island State Park, Hemp Key (south of Pine Island Sound), Pelican Bay (Pine Island Sound), Redfish Pass, Redfish Pass (1.8 miles east of Pine Island Sound), Regla Island (west of Pine Island Sound), Sanibel Causeway (south of San Carlos Bay) and Sanibel Island (8.6 miles southwest of Mainland).
Follow-up water samples taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) showed red tide was no longer present or was at background levels near the locations, indicating the public may resume water-related activities.
The DOH-Lee reported it is important that the public continue to exercise caution as red tide status can change when conditions are favorable. If you experience respiratory or eye irritation, consider leaving the area or seeking relief in an air-conditioned space.
To view the latest sampling results, visit https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/resources/red-tide.
WHAT IS RED TIDE?
Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate called Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico. It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents. At high enough concentrations, K. brevis can discolor water and give it a red or brown hue. To learn more about the appearance of red tide, visit https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/resources/red-tide.
IS RED TIDE HARMFUL?
K. brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to humans, pets, fish and wildlife. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air. This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. People can experience varying degrees of eye, skin and respiratory irritation from red tide. Sensitive individuals — children, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and those who have chronic respiratory conditions — may be at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms. For additional information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html.
WHERE CAN I FIND CURRENT WATER STATUS INFORMATION?
The FWC routinely collects and analyzes red tide samples from around the state. Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/. You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in your area at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/receive-updates/preference-center. To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399. For local licensed shellfish harvesting status, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Aquaculture/Shellfish-Harvesting-Area-Classification/Shellfish-Harvesting-Area-Information.
WHERE CAN I REPORT ISSUES RELATED TO RED TIDE?
– Human health: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
– Animal health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide contaminated water.
– Fish kills: Dead, diseased or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the FWC at https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/ or 800-636-0511.
For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-252-8200.
To reach FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LEE COUNTY, please email