Red Tide Current Status

Current Conditions

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected at background to very low concentrations in 5 samples from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells per liter) were not observed over the past week. The most recent satellite imagery indicated at least two distinct patches of elevated chlorophyll offshore of Southwest Florida, one extending northward from northern Pinellas County, and a second patch extending southward from southern Pinellas County to Charlotte County (see link for Southwest Coast map below). Patches are shifting daily as a result of winds and ocean currents, and we are working closely with partners at USF and NOAA NCCOS to monitor these critical datastreams. While it is suspected that these patches could contain red tide, without samples, we cannot confirm whether they are dominated by red tide or other algae. It should be noted that red tide was observed offshore and onshore prior to the passages of both Helene and Milton. Sampling is ongoing, with FWC conducting sampling offshore of Pinellas County today, and collaborative offshore sampling trips are planned for next week. Additional details are provided below.

• In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in Pinellas County and background to very low concentrations in Manatee County. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report and map.
• In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was not observed. For additional information, view the Northwest Coast report and map.
• Along the Florida East Coast over the past week, K. brevis was not observed. For additional information, view the East Coast report and map.

Fish Kills

No reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from FWC's Fish Kill Hotline or other partners over the past week. 

Respiratory Irritation

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was not reported over the past week. For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast.

Forecast

Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides for Pinellas County to northern Monroe County predict net southwestern movement of surface waters and net southeastern transport of subsurface waters in most areas over the next 3.5 days.

View a larger map (October 18, 2024).

To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for October 18, 2024.

By using Google Earth, you can zoom in to specific locations and click on stations to see detailed information, including sample date and cell concentration. You must have Google Earth installed on your computer to view this map; the software can be downloaded from the Google Earth website.

The next full status report will be issued on Friday, October 25^th. Please check our daily sampling map which can be accessed from the top of this page.

Archived status maps can be found in our Flickr gallery. Previous regional status reports and maps can be found on our red tide resources page.

Latest Red Tide Status Report Available by Phone

Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Standard calling charges apply.

Reports are updated on Friday afternoon except during holidays, in which case the report will be released on the closest day. Additional information, if available, is provided on Wednesday afternoon. To receive an e-mail when the current status has been updated, visit our subscription area.

Additional Information

For additional information about red tide and the current red tide bloom, including information on how to report a fish kill or other wildlife effects, consult health authorities about human exposure, or locate other resources, visit our Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources article.

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Information

Additional information regarding the current status of algal blooms in South Florida is being consolidated and posted on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website: https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom.