A health alert has been issued for the presence of red tide along several Lee County beaches by the Florida Department of Health in Lee County.
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The advisory covers Bonita Beach, Fort Myers Beach and the Sanibel Causeway after water samples taken last week confirmed elevated levels of the harmful algae bloom.
Officials urge residents and visitors to take precautions when near affected waters.
According to the health department, red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and respiratory issues, especially for individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma.
Those in the area are advised to avoid swimming in or wading through affected waters and to rinse off with fresh water if exposed. Beach residents should keep windows closed and run air conditioning with a clean filter to minimize airborne exposure.
Red tide, caused by the toxin-producing algae Karenia brevis, occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico and can be transported to coastal waters by winds and currents. At high concentrations, it can discolor the water, give off a foul odor, and result in fish kills.
The algae release potent neurotoxins that can become airborne, leading to respiratory irritation, especially for sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Health officials also warn against consuming shellfish or any distressed or dead fish from the affected areas.
For the latest information on beach conditions and red tide status, residents can visit Protecting Florida Together, a state-run water quality monitoring website. Click here for the current status and an interactive map .