An offshore bloom of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remains in northeast Gulf of Mexico.
Satellite images from the University of South Florida show a surface bloom extending between Dixie and Pinellas counties, about 15 miles offshore between Dixie and Pasco counties and 5 miles offshore in southern Pasco and northern Pinellas counties.
Recent samples analyzed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show the bloom contains non-toxic algae at some locations.
Concentrations of K. brevis range from very low to high in the area. Fish kills and human respiratory irritation have been reported inshore at Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County, as well as offshore in the bloom area.
Forecasts show little surface movement and slow southeast bottom movement of the bloom.
No red tide was detected alongshore or offshore of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier or Monroe counties.
For more information about red tide, go online to myfwc.com.