The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) is reminding the public that elevated levels of red tide have been detected at area beaches, including Longboat Key, Bird Key Park/Ringling Causeway, North Lido, Lido Casino, South Lido, Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Park, Caspersen, Manasota Key and Blind Pass.

Some beachgoers may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation (similar to those associated with the common cold or seasonal sinus allergies). Some people with existing breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe effects. Usually symptoms go away when a person leaves the beach or goes indoors. Health officials recommend that people who are sensitive to red tide or experiencing symptoms avoid the beach or go into an air-conditioned space. If symptoms do not subside, contact your health care provider.

Due to the elevated counts of red tide from Monday’s beach water samples, DOH-Sarasota has posted signage at area beaches advising the public that red tide is present.

For more information:

DOH-Sarasota's weekly sample results are posted here.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is doing twice-weekly updates on red tide for the state here, including a sampling map that is updated daily.

Current beach conditions can be checked at Mote Marine’s website.

NOAA has a Gulf of Mexico HAB forecast (updated twice weekly while the bloom persists) that can be found here.