Red tide persists in Manatee, 5 other Florida counties

Red tide persists in Manatee County, 5 other Florida counties

MANATEE -- A patchy bloom of Karenia brevis, a harmful Florida red tide algae, persists along Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. One sample collected offshore of northern Monroe County also contained low concentrations of K. brevis.

Over the past week, respiratory irritation was reported at several bloom locations, including Boca Grande, but is possible in all bloom areas. A fish kill was also reported Tuesday at Venice Beach and Wednesday at Siesta Key. Respiratory irritation has also recently been reported at Destin, according to the FWC.

Information: Go to myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 9:22 PM with the headline "Red tide persists in Manatee, 5 other Florida counties ."