Stinky Red Tide Back Along Pinellas Coast
Stinky red tide back along Pinellas coast. Florida’s Gulf Coast is facing another round of red tide, which is threatening Pinellas County’s beaches. Federal ocean scientists have identified a high risk of breathing irritation caused by red tide in some beaches in Pinellas, Lee, and Sarasota counties. I do a Red Tide report for Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beaches every day. Started smelling it a couple days ago. You can see my report HERE.
So, heads up for the weekend. The red tide has returned to the Tampa Bay area after nearly three weeks of reprieve. The state’s water samplers have detected red tide blooms at several locations in lower Tampa Bay. The red tide may continue for the next few days, even with a slight dip in temperature. The risk of breathing impacts is higher with onshore winds. You can always drive a little further north; top enjoy the water. But, if you do, go early. There will be others doing the same.
The University of South Florida is monitoring ocean currents with an autonomous, red tide-detecting “ocean glider.” The Southwest Florida is experiencing the brunt of this latest red tide bloom, with nearly 60 water samples finding blooms this week. Experts do not anticipate red tide getting any better in the near future. TBT