Florida red tide

Only background levels of the red tide organism Karenia brevis have been detected in the Gulf of Mexico, which is normal. But when a bloom arrives again, Manatee is now better prepared.

Researchers will look to sediments for information on past blooms and what they can tell us about today's events.

A report released Friday by state environmental officials shows high concentrations of the bloom that causes red tide were found far into the Gulf offshore of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Conditions for red tide are improving in Tampa Bay after the fisheries there were devastated but remain high along the Gulf Coast.

Fish kills have been reported the past week along beaches in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

A health advisory is being issued for many Pinellas beaches this weekend, with onshore breezes expected to make many red tide conditions worse.

Red tide is still being found in Tampa Bay and along the beaches from Pasco to Sarasota counties.

Fish kills continue to pollute the waters around downtown St. Petersburg and smaller die-offs were reported in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Dead fish have washed ashore from Elsa and swamped St. Petersburg. Crews from the city have collected nine tons of dead fish since Thursday. City officials said they were killed by red tide blooms.

The Department of Environmental Protection, which has offered frequent updates on the Piney Point situation, said late Friday that wildlife officials are “currently investigating reports of fish kills in Boca Ciega, Pass-a-Grille and St. Pete Beach.