Pinellas County beachgoers should keep their beach plans intact this weekend amid the red tide outbreak, but next week could prove more concerning. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Red tide is forecast to move southward along Florida's Gulf coast this weekend, likely keeping those Pinellas County beach plans a-OK -- for now. To repeat a broken record: The toxic algae bloom ravaging parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties is expected to continue, according to the latest forecast maps provided by the University of South Florida. High concentrations of red tide persist, killing thousands of fish, manatees and sea turtles. Nine dolphins have been found dead since last weekend, but necropsies on the animals have not yet concluded red tide as the cause of death. Some people visiting the beach in that area might end up leaving with mild to severe respiratory irritation. Know before you go: You can check MOTE Marine Laboratory's interactive map for user-generated condition reports NOAA's National Ocean Service reports similar, mild respiratory issues could occur for people boating off the Pinellas County coast, with more intense symptoms likely southward. Although Pinellas County so far has escaped the worst of red tide impacts, that might change early next week. A high-pressure system keeping a dominating, west-northwest wind is forecast to transition into a stronger area over the Atlantic Ocean. Those favorable winds are expected to change, too, with a general flow coming out the south-southwest. This could push the area of red tide closer or into areas that have yet to experience higher concentrations. Photos: Next week's wind flow won't help to contain red tide 1/3 2/3 3/3 1 / 3 You might've heard the rumor that this red tide is going to stick around until January of 2019. FWC says it’s way too early to tell if that’s true. It can only forecast up to three days out, based on the wind and currents. ►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.<doc-sep>A major weather system could disperse and push the toxic bloom away from the shore. SARASOTA — The invasion of toxic red tide on Southwest Florida beaches that has slaughtered marine life and sickened humans shows no signs of retreat anytime soon, experts say. The killer menace, which has turned the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico into a soft-drink brown hue and transformed pristine white sand beaches into ghastly graveyards of rotting sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and whale sharks in recent weeks, doesn’t look like it will loosen its grip on the area, scientists say. There is a “but” in the grim forecast, said Vincent Lovko, a staff scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, an independent research institution in Sarasota that has studied Florida red tide for decades. A major weather system — such as a hurricane — could potentially rid Southwest Florida of the persistent bloom, which began last October and killed an undetermined amount of marine life, while causing beachgoers to cough, sneeze and experience other respiratory or eye irritation. Sarasota County alone estimates it has removed more than 66 tons of decomposing fish from its beaches since Aug. 1, while the Town of Longboat Key estimates it has cleared 5.22 tons of decaying sea life from its shoreline. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports it has received complaints of respiratory irritation spanning from Manatee to Collier counties. “Any weather system that significantly stirs up the water column and pushes water away from shore can help disperse the cells, potentially ending the bloom if they are not able to re-aggregate,” Lovko said. Read more: Complete coverage of red tide in Southwest Florida The tropics, however, remain quiet, and U.S. forecasters say the Atlantic hurricane season may be less active than they previously predicted, thanks to cooler waters in the Atlantic Ocean, stronger wind shear and drier air — all factors that suppress storms. Forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of seeing a below-normal season and 30 percent chance of a near-normal season. The probability the season will see above-normal activity decreased from 35 percent to 10 percent. An average hurricane season sees 12 named storms, six of which form hurricanes and three of which become major. Red tide blooms have been occurring in Florida since the 1800s, but there’s still no human intervention to stop it. Particularly lethal or long-lasting blooms like this one renew calls for intensified government and scientific interventions to address the problem. Mote is researching, developing and testing several technologies that could potentially help control red tide, including the use of ozone to remediate red tide in residential canals, the use of filter-feeding organisms to lessen red tide in small-volume environments and the use of natural compounds produced by seaweed. The current bloom spans nearly 150 miles and is roughly 10 to 20 miles wide. Red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga that takes advantage of high nutrient levels near the coast to multiply. The species that causes red tide is Karenia brevis and is often abbreviated as K. brevis. Red tide grows far offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and can pile up near the coast in the fall as winter wind patterns blow cold fronts into Florida. The harmful algae prefer ocean water, unlike freshwater blue-green algae, and is usually gone by the end of March, although one bloom lasted 18 months, from 2004 through 2005 and into 2006, Lovko said. Winds can carry toxins from red tide up to 2.6 miles inland, Lovko added. “The sheer size of a red tide along with the complex dynamics of bloom initiation and development makes developing a solution to eliminate red tide an enormous challenge,” Lovko said. “Much research is focused on forecasting, prediction and early warning to help stakeholders know where and when a bloom might occur. It is unlikely there will be a magic bullet discovered that will cure red tide.” Still, Mote and other agencies across the state forge ahead with research. Mote scientists on Tuesday will field-test a newly developed method for mitigating Florida red tide in the closed end of a canal in Boca Grande. The method uses ozone to destroy the algae and its toxins inside a special system that releases no ozone into the environment and restores oxygen that is often deficient in Florida red tide areas. The technology is designed for areas of limited size and tidal flow, such as dead-end canals and small embayments, where Florida red tide algae, their toxins, and resulting dead fish can accumulate. It’s still too early to tell when or if the method could be used publicly, Mote scientists said, adding the treatment is designed for smaller bodies of water, such as canals. “This application is designed for small, restricted-flow environments, such as dead-end canals and small embayments,” Rich Pierce, Mote senior scientist and program manager for the lab's ecotoxicology program, said. “We will have to answer the question for how long before it could be used publicly until after the test. This is a newly developed technology that may need some time.” The state has also funded red tide research, which has seen advancements in early detection of the toxic blooms. Since 2013, Mote has received more than $5.5 million in state funding for red tide research, according to Gov. Rick Scott’s office. Scott this month directed FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to mobilize all available resources to address red tide impacts in Southwest Florida.<doc-sep>The toxic blooms may get "considerably worse," according to experts. A toxic algae bloom is creeping up the west coast of the Sunshine State, killing wildlife and keeping residents and tourists away from the acclaimed beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Higher than normal concentrations of Karenia brevis -- also known as red tide or harmful algal blooms -- have been plaguing southwest Florida since November 2017, discoloring the seawater and leaving piles of dead fish in its wake. Statewide, officials are monitoring the effects of the red tide. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have created a "bloom response team" to ensure the health of humans, water quality and the environment. Earlier this week, Florida Gov. Rick Scott called for the FWC and FDEP to "mobilize all available resources" to address the impacts of the red tide. What is red tide? Red tide is a natural phenomenon that has been recorded on Florida's Gulf Coast since the 1840s, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. A common occurrence, red tide is caused by an overgrowth or accumulation of microscopic algae and often occurs in brackish or marine water, but not freshwater, according to the FWC. Part of the reason why red tide is so prominent this season is because there are some leftover blooms from last year, Bob Weisberg, a professor of physical oceanography at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, told ABC News. Red tide occurs seasonally and typically blooms from late summer through early fall and lasts through winter, Weisberg said. The bloom begins in the Gulf about 10 to 40 miles offshore -- near the west Florida continental shelf -- and can be transported inshore by winds and currents. Once the red tide is inshore, the algae can grow even more using man-made nutrients, such as fertilizer. "The increase in runoff may likely exacerbate an existing bloom, but it won't cause a bloom," Weisberg said. Red tide can kill marine life Red tide produces toxins that can sicken or kill fish, seabirds, turtles and marine mammals, such as manatees, according to the FWC. The animals can inhale the toxins through the air or become affected by consuming toxic prey. More than 580 fish kills have been reported in Florida in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties, the FWC reported. Species of fish killed include grouper, trout, eel, snook, tarpon, hardhead catfish and baitfish. Ten manatees have been rescued as a result of red tide since the beginning of the year, but a preliminary report suggests that at least 92 manatees have died, according to the FWC. "These poor manatees stick their heads up out of the water to breath, and that’s where the highest concentration of the algae are," Weisberg said. Sea turtles and dolphins in Sarasota and Manatee counties have also been affected by the red tide, ABC Tampa affiliate WFTS reported. Nine bottlenose dolphins were found dead in Sarasota County in 36 hours, and at least 60 sea turtles have been reported sick, according to WFTS. On Sanibel Island, a 26-foot whale shark recently washed up on the beach, WFTS reported. Many fish populations in the area have evolved to be "resilient to the impact" of red tide, since it's a common occurrence, according to the FWC. Fisheries and fish populations are "bound to rebound," despite the prolonged red tide event this season. People who see dead fish or sick or injured animals are asked to report the sightings to the FWC. The harmful bloom causes irritation in humans In humans, red tide causes respiratory irritation, but it's usually temporary unless the person suffers from severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, or chronic lung disease, Weisberg said. People in coastal areas can experience "varying degrees" of eye, nose and throat irritation, but the symptoms usually go away after a person leaves an area affected with red tide, Brad Dalton, press secretary for the Florida Department of Health, told ABC News in a statement. Most people aren't affected by swimming in red tide-infested waters, but skin irritation may occur. The FWC recommends that swimmers rinse with fresh water if they experience irritation. Respiratory irritation was reported in at least four counties this week, according to the FWC report. "If you have symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning," Dalton said. Residents can help minimize blooms by reducing or eliminating fertilizer use, according to the FWC. Pet owners are also recommended to not let their pets play with dead fish or foam on the beach and to rinse them to fresh water upon returning home. Red tide can affect seafood Shellfish harvesting from regulated areas is banned during red tide because clams, oysters and mussels can accumulate the toxins. The muscles of crustaceans, including crab, shrimp and lobster, can be eaten because they are not affected by red tide toxins, the FWC said. Fish are safe to eat as long as they are caught alive and only the muscle is eaten. The circulation of ocean water determines whether red tide will bloom The phenomenon of red tide has "as much to do with the physics of the ocean circulation as it does with the organism biology," Weisberg said, adding that not every year is the same. High ocean circulation will often bring deep, nutrient-rich ocean water to the area, which keeps the toxins from producing. "The faster-growing, non-toxic algae generally out-compete the red tide organism," Weisberg said. When the ocean circulation is low, less deep ocean water is mixed in the Gulf of Mexico, and the lack of nutrients allows the red tide to flourish, Weisberg said. "When we get the deeper ocean water, those are the years we tend to not have major tides," Weisberg said. In 2010, there was no red tide at all, while in 2012 saw a major bloom, Weisberg said. "This year will be a substantial red tide year," he said. Weisberg's team makes seasonal predictions of major red tide blooms or lack of based on the ocean circulation, Weisberg said. Once red tide organisms are observed near shore, they then use an ocean circulation model to forecast over a short term where those cells will go, he said. The toxic blooms will travel north The current red tide bloom may get "considerably worse," Weisberg said. High amounts of red tide, meaning more than 1 million cells, are being reported in more than a dozen counties in southwest Florida, according to a red tide status report released by the FWC on Aug. 10. Respiratory irritation and "possible" fish kills are possible between 10,000 and 100,000 cells, considered a "low" amount, and "probable" fish kills are likely between 100,000 and 1 million cells, considered a "medium" amount. While most of the blooms had been limited to coastal areas like Venice Beach, Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor, the blooms are "steadily moving north," Weisberg said. High concentrations are now being seen on Anna Maria Island and southern parts of Tampa Bay, and in the next days and weeks, higher blooms will start to be seen in Pinellas County in cities like St. Petersburg, Weisberg said. The toxic blooms may be putting a damper on visitors' plans to visit Florida. In a statement, Visit Florida, the state's official tourism management board, said that it would "be communicating with visitors just as soon as the beaches are clean and back to normal." "For those who have already booked their vacations, it's important to keep in mind that Southwest Florida has a number of other exciting opportunities to offer outside of the beach, including dining, shopping, entertainment, museums and more." While some may call for an eradication of the harmful toxin, Weisberg said the "unintended consequences" may be severe on the ecosystem. "There's a reason why this organism evolved," he said. "It's part of the ecosystem. It would be very difficult to get rid of. It may be much worse than what we experience."<doc-sep>
The red tide outbreak in Florida has left many travelers wondering if they should seek a beach holiday elsewhere. What is being called the worst toxic algae bloom in years has been killing turtles, manatees, dolphins, and other marine life. It is also creating respiratory and gastrointestinal issues for humans. Many of Florida’s popular west coast beaches from Tampa Bay to Sarasota to Naples are practically deserted as the red tide emits toxic gases. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, red tide is a naturally-occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s. Blooms, or higher-than-normal concentrations of the red tide alga, known as Karenia brevis, happen nearly every year in the Gulf of Mexico. Red tide begins in the Gulf of Mexico 10 to 40 miles offshore but can move inshore thanks to winds and currents. “FWC is aligning our resources with the needs of local communities as we work together to manage this important issue,” says Eric Sutton, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Keeping the public informed by providing updated information is a priority.” The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, part of the commission, studies dozens of water samples every week and shares what it finds with the public. Since this particular bloom began last November, the institute has processed more than 7,600 water samples. In past outbreaks over the last 20 years, fish and fisheries have been able to rebound, the commission says. Are Florida's algae blooms making people sick? Larry Brand, professor of marine biology and fisheries at the University of Miami, says it’s difficult to tell why this outbreak has been so bad, but Hurricane Irma last year and a particularly rainy fall and winter have contributed to the outbreak. There has also been speculation that over-development and climate change are factors as well. Brand says it is also hard to predict how long the outbreak will last but that it will most likely go through the rainy season, which can extend into November. His advice to people who want a Florida beach holiday? “If people want to go to the beaches, go to the east coast,” he says. Last month, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Okeechobee counties. Travelers who have made plans to travel to those counties should check the cancellation policies of their hotels and the change fees for their flights. For now, people should avoid swimming and eating any seafood from the affected beaches on the west coast, Brand says. “The toxin gets up in the air,” he says. “If you go down to the beach, you’re breathing that in. It’s a neuro-toxin. It’s like a tear gas. Your eyes will start watering, you may start coughing and so on.” What is red tide, and how is it harming Southwest Florida? Brad Dalton, deputy press secretary in the Office of Communications at the Florida Department of Health, says the eye, nose and throat irritation typically goes away once a person leaves an area with red tide. “If you have symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning,” he says. “If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention. People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease are cautioned to avoid areas with active red tides.” People can check on the red tide conditions of a particular beach by going to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Research Institute Red Tide Conditions Report. The commission publishes the report on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mote Marine Beach Conditions Report is another good resource. Illnesses from red tide exposure should be reported to Florida's Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. For more information on red tide, visit Floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/red-tide.html.