By
The Associated Press
People on the southwest coast of Florida have complained of burning eyes and trouble breathing.
Dead fish have washed up on the beaches and a beach festival has been canceled despite being scheduled for a month's time.
The region experienced a toxic algae outbreak this week, known as a red tide, leaving many concerned that the situation that began in October could continue further.
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The annual BeachFest festival in the city of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, sponsored by a homeowners association, was canceled after authorities in Pinellas County determined that the red tide could last until the middle of next month, when it was
scheduled
. the event.
Dead fish on a beach due to the presence of a red tide in Clearwater Beach, Pinellas County (Florida), Thursday, March 9, 2023. Douglas R. Clifford / AP
“Red tide is present on the beach and is forecast to remain in the area for the next several weeks,” the Indian Rocks Beach Home Owners Association detailed in a letter to the public.
"It is unfortunate that it had to be canceled but it is the best decision in the interest of public health."
tons of dead fish
Nearly two tons of debris, mostly dead fish, was washed up on Pinellas County beaches and taken to a landfill, county spokesman Tony Fabrizio told the Tampa Bay Times.
About 1,000 pounds (455 kilograms) of dead fish have been washed up on St. Pete Beach since the beginning of the month, city parks supervisor Mandy Edmunds told the newspaper.
What is the red tide?
Red tide, a naturally occurring bloom of toxic algae in the Gulf of Mexico, is aggravated by the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen in the water.
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises people not to swim in the waters during red tide due to the risk of skin irritation, rashes, and burning and sore eyes.
People with asthma or lung disease should avoid beaches affected by toxic algae.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported Friday that it had found red tide in 157 samples taken along the Gulf of Mexico coast, with the strongest concentrations in Florida's Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
