State officials are reporting red tide occurrences in the Gulf of Mexico off some Southwest Florida beaches.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that it detected Karenia brevis, the red tide organism, was in low or very low concentrations in samples taken from waters off Charlotte and Sarasota counties the week of Dec. 27.
However, samples taken this week show higher concentrations near beaches in Charlotte and Sarasota counties, according to the FWC’s website, myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/.
Medium concentrations were shown at Little Gasparilla Island off Placida in Charlotte County, and at Venice fishing pier and around the Venice Inlet and Dona Bay, and Nokomis Beach on Casey Key. The highest sample counts were at Nokomis Beach and Brohard Beach at Venice
Low concentrations were found at Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach off Manasota Key in Englewood, and at Venice Beach. Manasota Beach had the lowest count in Sarasota County.
Several of the beaches around Englewood remain closed following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Englewood Beach, Blind Pass Beach and Stump Pass State Park beaches are all closed. Manasota Beach remains open.