The big red tide flowers in the Mexican Bay are causing concerns in the southwestern part of Florida, and some popular beaches are now under health warnings.
According to Florida Fish Wildlife Protection CommitteeCalennia Brevis, a creature that causes the red tide, was detected in 2024 with at least 75 samples, recently collected along the Gulf after Hurricane Helen and Milton.
Some beaches in Lee County have fallen into health warnings, but general warnings are spreading from around the tampa to the key.
“The people in these areas and their surroundings should pay attention,” said Lolida's Ministry of Health in Lee County. “Do not walk or swim in the red tide. The red tide can cause skin irritation, rash, burning/painful eyes. Especially if your skin is easily stimulated, recently. If you are in contact with the red tide, wash your skin and clothes with fresh water.
Authorities say that red tide flowers are expanding, but this event is not unexpected because the NOAA satellite tracks a significant level of chlorophyll after Hurricane Helen and Milton.
According to the Scientific Bureau of the US Ministry of Energy, powerful tropical cyclones could lead to vertical mixing of seawater, which could cause photosynthesis.
This biological process produces algae flowers. This can bring both good and bad effects depending on the type of plant plankton species involved.
Local officials have advised the harvest of shells in the immediate vicinity of the shells, linking the killing of fish in Sarasota, Lee, Cillia, and Monroe to the red tide.
As the temperature rises, it is expected that red tide concerns will grow from western Florida to the key.
The American Pulmonary Association states that humans exposed to toxins can experience respiratory symptoms including cough, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
If it is more severe, the red tide is related to several cognitive impairments, and it is known that the best remedy is commercially available antihistamine drugs.
Authorities did not state the period expected to continue bloom because phenomena were affected by nutrients and the possibility of obtaining the sea current.
The Ministry of Health of Florida advised The coastal residents, which are closest to the peak concentration of Lee County, close windows, operate air conditioning systems, and increase ventilation.
