Breaking News
Red Tide Is Now Present at Every Beach in Sarasota
Elevated levels of the fish-killing bacteria that causes red tide have been found at all 16 area beaches.
All 16 Sarasota County beaches have elevated red tide levels.
Image: Gigi Ortwein
Concerns about a possible red tide event popped up immediately after Hurricane Ian battered Florida, and now those concerns have been realized. The Florida Department of Health on Thursday notified the public that elevated levels of red tide have now been found at all 16 Sarasota County beaches:
- Longboat Key
- Bird Key Park/Ringling Causeway
- North Lido
- Lido Casino
- South Lido
- Siesta Key
- Turtle Beach
- Nokomis Beach
- North Jetty
- Venice Beach
- Service Club
- Venice Fishing Pier
- Brohard Beach
- Caspersen Beach
- Manasota Key
- Blind Pass
Florida officials warn against going to the beach if you have chronic respiratory problems. You should not eat any shellfish or distressed or dead fish. If the fish appear healthy, you can eat them, so long as you rinse the fillets with clean water and throw away the guts. Keep pets away from the water.
