Pinellas County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are monitoring concentrations of Red Tide that have been detected in water samples taken off county beaches. The latest report showed high levels of red tide at the beaches of Treasure Island, Redington Shores, Indian Rocks Beach and Sand Key Beach. Medium levels of red tide were detected at Pass-a-Grille Beach, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Beach. Low levels were detected at Fort De Soto Park and St. Pete Beach. At the last report, Fred Howard Park did not have measurable levels of red tide.  

There are currently no beach closures for Pinellas County beaches and the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has not issued any beach warnings. Please visit FWC's Red Tide Status Map for current concentrations along the Gulf Coast.  

Red Tide can cause respiratory irritation in higher concentrations, especially when the wind is blowing onshore. Pinellas County contributes to the Red Tide Respiratory Forecast tool for anyone considering a beach visit. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater maintains a beach status dashboard that also includes this information at www.beachesupdate.com.

While there are too many variables for experts to predict whether this bloom will dissipate or worsen, Pinellas County is prepared to alert the public of potential health impacts and clean up dead fish if the situation worsens.

Residents can report fish kills to FWC through the FWC Reporter app, by calling 800-636-0511 or by submitting a report online. Residents who find dead fish near their boat dock can retrieve them with a skimmer and dispose of them with their regular trash. 

Occurrences of Red Tide in the Gulf of Mexico have been documented for centuries, but blooms can be worsened by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.