Things you need to know before Spring Break in 2025

Low to red tide levels exist in some areas of Florida’s west coast. Red tides can cause respiratory irritations, especially in humans with pre-existing conditions. The length of time.

Florida, brace yourself – Spring break is almost here. That means hundreds of thousands of visitors are gathering on our beautiful beaches. But whether you’re an Indigenous Florida or an experienced visitor to the state’s coast, it’s one unwanted visitor to ruin the red tide on the beach day Visits only from.

Karenia Brevis is a naturally occurring single-cell organism that belongs to a group of algae known as swirl plants. Large concentrations change water from red to brown, and flowers can be called “red tide.”

K. Brevis is found almost exclusively in the US Gulf (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), but is recorded on the East Coast of Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.

Can anxious red tide ruin your upcoming spring break beach trip? Here’s what you need to know.

Are there red tides on Florida’s beaches now?

According to both the USA Today Network and the FWC database, a low red tide has been reported between Brandon and St. Petersburg, as well as a Gasparilla Pass.

There are also reports of low to moderate red tides in the western part of Key West.

Check the water quality of Florida waters. Is swimming and fishing safe?

This map shows whether red tide or blue-green algae have been reported across Florida.

Are you having trouble looking at the map? Open in a new browser.

Is red tide harmful to humans?

Yes, it may be.

K. brevis produces breetoxin, which can kill fish, birds and other marine animals. It can also cause health problems in humans, especially those with respiratory problems.

Does the red tide smell?

Yes, that’s right. The smell comes from a combination of rotten algae, dead fish and bacteria.

What are the symptoms of red tide?

There are red tide creatures, and some people experience respiratory stimuli when the wind blows on land. The symptoms of breathing red tidal toxins are temporary and usually include: According to the Florida Department of Health.

Coughing eyes

FDOH officials also advise people with severe or chronic breathing conditions, such as emphysema and asthma, to avoid areas of red tide

Is it okay to swim between the red tides or walk along the beach?

Most people can still swim in the red tide, but can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water.

If you experience any irritation while swimming, go outside immediately and thoroughly rinse. Do not swim between dead fish as dead fish can be associated with harmful bacteria.

For those wondering whether beach scrolls are affected by red tide conditions, they can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation, especially when winds blow on the coast.

Can I eat local fish and shrimp when there is red tide?

Yes, you can. Make sure it looks healthy and cook properly. Do not eat dead fish.

Florida today has revealed that people eating shellfish contaminated with red tides can experience gastrointestinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle pain, and tingling in the tongue, lips, throat, and limbs I’m paying attention.

Symptoms usually appear within hours of eating contaminated shellfish and disappearing within a few days.

How long will Red Tide last in Florida?

According to the Florida Department of Health, red tide flowers last for days, weeks, or months, and can change daily due to wind conditions and currents.

How many months are bad for the Red Tide in Florida?

It may appear year round, but is more common during warm summer and fall months.

How to report red tide

To report symptoms of Florida’s red tide or aquatic toxin, call 800-222-1222 and immediately speak to a poison expert.

To report the fish murder to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute, call 800-636-0511.