SARASOTA- Red tide is affecting both marine life and people here on the Suncoast.
“I’ve never been to Siesta Key, so I came to Sarasota, I had breakfast. I could tell I was coughing, I had to use my inhaler just as soon as I got out of my little car,” said tourist, Jerry Nicholson.
Siesta Beach is seeing dead fish washed ashore.
When red tides travel inshore, the most common symptoms people experience are an itchy throat and coughing.
Especially for those with underlying lung diseases.
“I was diagnosed with asthma last year, so I’m staying away from the beach. That was not what I expected at all,” said Nicholson.
Swimmers may experience skin or eye irritation.
Siesta Beach isn’t the only place the red tide has taken over on the Suncoast.
Sarasota’s Bayfront Park is seeing large amounts of red tide as well.
As spring break approaches for schools around the country, this is affecting business for many cruises and boat tours.
“This time of year is probably the worst time to get it, having it be right at the height of season. People are canceling, so our number of passengers has gone down dramatically. We’ve cut back on the number of cruises that we’re doing. As soon as we’re underway, you can hear the people coughing. and most people go ‘wow, we didn’t really realize it was that bad,’” said Operations Manager of LeBarge Tropical Cruises, Robert Heere.
According to Sarasota County, it’s recommended that beach-goers avoid going in the water during these conditions.
Most blooms last three to five months.
However, they can continue for up to 18 months.
