Red Tide Information & Updates

For current status of Red Tide and other algae blooms in area waters, check reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Red tide update (local)

Throughout the year Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources does a morning “sweep” of our public beaches, clearing small clumps of grass and seaweed that wash ashore each night. Our Property Management teams will continue their daily effort to keep our public beaches, parks and preserves clean and clear from trash and debris.

Note: Red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that's been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s. It occurs nearly every year. Blooms, or higher-than-normal concentrations happen periodically.

For daily beach conditions, go to visitbeaches.org and select a beach on the map, view the FWC Red Tide Current Status page, or call (941) 232-2437. View local beach cameras.

Report Fish & Wildlife Impact

Contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to report fish or marine life impacted by red tide.

  • Report dead, sick, or injured manatee or sea turtle to the Wildlife Alert Hotline: (888) 404-3922
  • Report fish kill online or at (800) 636-0511

Red Tide Health & Safety Information

According to the Florida Department of Health, people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions should avoid red tide areas.

Some people may experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath when on the beach or in an area near a red tide bloom, particularly when winds are blowing onshore. 

Swimming can be safe, but some people may experience skin irritation or burning eyes. If you experience these symptoms, get out of the water and wash off thoroughly. You should not swim in the water with dead fish.

Visit our Beach Safety page for more information.

Red Tide Q&A

Manatee County is committed to enhanced red tide clean-up at County-owned beaches and parks, and the County has contracted with debris vendors that are attempting to capture dead fish in waterways before they reach shorelines and canals. Manatee County Government does not have the resources to clean residential areas and neighborhood canals.

Is red tide bad at the beach today?

You can check daily beach conditions at visitbeaches.org and the FWC Red Tide Status page.

Who do I call if I see dead sea life?

There are no local resources being deployed to clean residential areas, but Florida residents and visitors should report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish Kill Hotline using the FWC Report app online, or via phone (800) 636-0511. In addition to fish kills, red tides can cause illness and death to aquatic wildlife including marine mammals, sea turtles and birds. If you see sick, injured or dead sea turtles or marine mammals call 1-888-404-3922.

What do I do with dead fish in my canal/washing onto my property?

If dead sea life reaches your property and you choose to remove it, you can take the trash to Coquina or Manatee Beach where there are roll off dumpsters being emptied daily. Some Manatee County residents have also installed floating booms around the perimeter of their canal to keep red tide debris from floating into the channel. Floating booms can be purchased online and at some local retailers.

CONTACT US +

  • Manatee 311 (8am-5pm, M-F)
  • (941) 742-4300