Red tide still lingers on Southwest Florida's coast

Dead fish scattered along Bonita Beach

By Julie Salomone

CREATED Jan. 17, 2013

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NAPLES, Fla.- Red tide was first reported in October 2011. In Collier County, dead fish have been reported on Vanderbilt Beach north to Wiggins Pass and on Barefoot beach.

Beachgoers now noticing dead fish along Bonita Beach in Lee County.

Judy Carter from Michigan says she is now watching where she steps.

"When did you notice them?" I asked.
"Just today(Thursday), we've been at Barefoot beach and another beach and had not seen any fish before just a very big shock," said Carter.

Typically red tide pops up in October and lingers until April, but there is no way to predict how long the bloom will stick around. On Southwest Florida's coast, the bloom extends alongshore from southern Sarasota County to Collier County.

"I know it's caused by algae and it can kill fish and sometimes give an odor at the beach," said Joy Testa, visitor from Tennessee.

In Collier County near the Naples Pier, there is no signs of red tide. The beach looks clear, but a sign is posted warning beachgoers of the possible impact of the bloom.

Kamila Diddle with the county's Natural Resources department took water samples on Thursday. The county tests twice a week when red tide is present.

To report dead fish or red tide symptoms, please call Collier Co. Natural Resources Department at (239) 252-2502.

Collier County red tide updates are available on the Red Tide Hotline at (239) 252-2591. This recording is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.