After several weeks of medium and high toxin concentrations, red tide is showing signs of decline in Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties. Sarasota County has experienced a significant improvement, with toxin levels dropping to background concentrations for the first time in weeks. County-specific observations reveal:

• Manatee County: Minimal toxin presence at Anna Maria Island and Longboat Pass Boat Ramp, with medium concentrations detected at the Sunshine Skyway south fishing pier and Tampa Bay mouth
• Pinellas County: Low toxin amounts remain in Bayboro Harbor, located south of downtown St. Petersburg

During the past week, Sarasota County’s coastal waters continued to experience fish kills and respiratory irritation associated with the red tide phenomenon.

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(Image credit: Mary Harper/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)