SARASOTA, Fla. -- With red tide still present in the Gulf, people with respiratory conditions probably should keep out of the water.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement through Thursday evening along the Sarasota coastline.
Red tide is caused by the growth of microscopic algae called Karenia brevis, which causes the water to appear red in color when it blooms.
People with issues including asthma, emphysema and other pulmonary diseases could be more sensitive to the algae and are advised to stay away from the beach. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.
Concentrations of K. brevis is considered very low to high in six samples taken in Manatee County and very low to medium in some 30 samples from Sarasota County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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