Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re heading to the beach this spring break season, you may want to double-check that dead fish and murky waters won’t greet you when you get there.

Red tide conditions, caused by a harmful algal bloom, have been reported along Florida’s Gulf Coast this month.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

FWC offers several ways to track red tide before you head to the beach:

The map below contains information from the last eight days of sampling for the algae that cause red tide, Karenia brevis. The map is updated daily at 5 p.m. You can click on each dot for individual sample details.

Read: 9 things to know about red tide in Florida

You can call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Or callers from outside of Florida can dial 727-502-4956 to check conditions.

If you’re headed to Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report also provides up-to-date information about the effects of red tide, including reports of dead fish, respiratory irritation among beachgoers, water color, and wind direction.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 11

Red tide facts Here are 9 things you need to know about red tide, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (WFTV Staff)

Read: ‘Huge’ bloom of seaweed looms in the Atlantic, likely headed to Florida beaches

What is Red Tide? What is Red Tide? (NCD)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group