High levels of red tide detected off some Tampa Bay beaches

ST. PETERSBURG -- High concentrations of red tide algae have been detected in samples taken from beaches in Pinellas County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

According to a recent FWC report, low levels of red tide were also present in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

Red tide is a harmful algae bloom (Karenia brevis) that grows rapidly and produces harmful effects on fish, marine mammals and humans.

The toxins can also make fish and shellfish dangerous to eat.

Fish kills were reported last week along Madeira and Indians Shores beaches in Pinellas County, FWC said.

Officials said there also were reports of respiratory irritation along Treasure Island, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Pass and Belleair Beach in Pinellas County as well as further south along Venice in Sarasota County, Englewood in Charlotte County and Lighthouse Beach in Lee County.

People may experience coughing, sneezing or a scratchy throat when red tide is present.

Beach conditions can be checked at VisitBeaches.org.

Citizens can also report red tide at the website.

Reports are shared with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Florida Department of Health.

This story was originally published April 10, 2016 at 9:44 PM with the headline "High levels of red tide detected off some Tampa Bay beaches."