Red tide along SWFL coastline closely monitored

PLACIDA, Fla.- Florida Fish and Wildlife officials are monitoring medium to high levels of red tide in parts of Charlotte County.

Areas of concern include: Englewood Beach, Gasparilla Sound, Stump Pass, Placida Harbor, Lemon Bay and Little Gasparilla Island. Dead fish have also been reported along Englewood Beach and Long Boat Key.

Boaters and beachgoers in the areas have reported respiratory issues because of the red tide but some say this is not the worst they’ve seen it.

The Florida Department of Agriculture launched a boat from Placida Monday morning, to test and monitor water in the area. FWC officials say over the next three days from Pinellas to Collier County, current is expected to carry the red tide bloom south and along the shore.

Charlotte County, FWC, and the Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor red tide levels as needed.