The Florida Department of Health in Collier County is advising the public to be cautious of red tide near Seagate.
Officials said they took a water sample on Thursday, resulting in a warning to exercise caution in and around the area.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions if near affected area:
- Look for informational signage posted at most public beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.
- Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning/sore eyes.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
- Remain cautious and stay away from this location, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions.
- Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted, and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
- Red tide can cause illness and death of other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep animals away and out of the water and sea life and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.
Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate called Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Red tide typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission routinely collects and analyzes red tide samples from around the state. Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together .
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