The VSPC red tide update for September 14 shows low to high concentrations of the Karenia brevis Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) at 11 locations along the Pinellas Suncoast.

Even so, we’re pleased that our beaches have not experienced a significant volume of dead marine life washing ashore, thanks to the diligence of Pinellas County Environmental Management in cooperation with the cities along our Gulf Coast, including Madeira Beach and Treasure Island.

In fact, we thank Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites on Treasure Island for posting a great video of conditions on Thursday afternoon!

For those of you wanting to keep up-to-date on the VSPC red tide update we suggest bookmarking the web page from Pinellas County Environmental Management which includes reports of daily water samples along our beaches.

Here is the most recent set of news reports that we found with a Google search for Red Tide Pinellas County. It includes report from ABC news that indicates the red tide bloom is moving AWAY from our area.

For those of you who want the most recent information about red tide and its impact along the Florida coastline, we suggest following these links:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA Current Conditions

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for tracking app

Ocean Circulation Group for tracking harmful algae blooms

Florida Department of Health for precautions to take

Pinellas County Environmental Management for local impact

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater for visitor information and beach news

If you plan to visit our beaches, please remember that those with compromised respiratory systems should use filtering face masks to avoid inhaling airborne toxins.

The HAB of Karenia brevis can also cause skin irritation, so if you swim in our waters, please take care to rinse of thoroughly.

Pets’ skin can also be irritated by red tide, so be sure to rinse your pets’ coats thoroughly after a romp in the surf!

Check back periodically for more VSPC red tide updates, and links to helpful sites.

What is red tide? CLICK HERE.