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Red tide blooms found along beaches in Manasota Key

Posted at 10:54 AM, Oct 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-03 07:27:06-04

UPDATE -- ENGLEWOOD, Fla -- After thousands of dead fish swarm along the shores of Southwest Florida, Charlotte County inmates have assisted in the cleanup on the beaches of Englewood.

Pictured above is inmate Justin Mahaffey assisting with that cleanup.

FWC said red tide forms 10 to 40 miles offshore and is brought in by currents and wind. The toxic algae is known for fish kills along Southwest Florida's coast. 

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MANASOTA KEY, Fla.-- Thousands of dead fish are popping up along the shores of Southwest Florida as a red tide bloom lurks in the Gulf. Testing done by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has detected high red tide levels along Manatee and Sarasota County. 

"It smells, it doesn't smell great and it doesn't look good," said beachgoer Anthony Pagano. 

FWC said red tide forms 10 to 40 miles offshore and is brought in by currents and wind. The toxic algae is known for fish kills along Southwest Florida's coast. 

"It's naturally occurring, it's been documented in the gulf since the 1800's," said FWC Kelly Richmond. 

Residents in Manasota Key said they were shocked when they got to the beach on Wednesday afternoon. 

"It has happened in the previous 5 years, but never to this extent," said resident Wendy Cole. 

FWC said red tide can also cause respiratory problems in people with asthma or weakened immune systems. 

FWC works with NOAA and partners at the University of South Florida to understand the winds and currents to figure out where it could possible spread. They said they can't predict where it's going to next, but are actively working to determine if it will affect beaches in Lee and Collier County. 

To view tables and maps of water test results: CLICK HERE