SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has issued a health alert for red tide near Ringling Causeway/ Bird Key Park Beach, North Lido Beach, Lido Casino Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Plaja, Nokomis Beach , North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Park Beach and Manasota Key Beach.

This is in response to a water sample taken on November 12, 2024. The public should exercise caution in and around this area.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions near the affected area:

• Look for informational signs posted at most public beaches and/or check the current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.
• Do not walk or swim in or around red tide. Red Sea can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning/sore eyes.
• Wash your skin and clothes with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red sea, especially if your skin is slightly irritated.
• Be cautious and stay away from this location, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run air conditioning. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Do not harvest or eat diseased or dead shellfish or fish from this location. If caught alive and healthy, the fish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse the fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Red tide can cause illness and death in other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep animals away and out of water and marine life and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in red tide waters, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.

If you have other health questions or concerns about the red tide bloom, please call DOH-Sarasota at 941-861-6133.

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