Blamed for fish kills in the gulf, the algae bloom extends from Citrus to Sarasota county.
By JAMIE JONES
Published January 17, 2004
A persistent bloom of Red Tide continues to befoul the waters along the Pinellas County beaches.
During the past week, fish kills and respiratory irritation have been reported at Pass-a-Grille Beach, Treasure Island, Redington Beach and St. Pete Beach, according to the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.
"There is evidence of it out there, but there's not really enough dead fish to be concerned at this point," said Mark Davis, public works director for Redington Beach.
The bloom, which likely traveled south from the Cedar Key area, stretches from Citrus County to Sarasota, scientists believe.
It has been detected in coastal waters for several weeks and is gradually moving south, according to the Florida Marine Research Institute.
"Red Tide is definitely here," said Gordon Glover Sr. of St. Petersburg, who spent Friday fishing with his two sons.
This week, Red Tide was detected at all Pinellas County test sites except for Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, said scientist Earnest Truby of the marine institute.
Test sites include Honeymoon Island, Pier 60 in Clearwater, Redington Long Pier, Pass-a-Grille Beach and Mullet Key.
Higher levels have been detected between Redington Beach and the Sunshine Skyway bridge, Truby said.
He did not consider the levels alarming, but cautioned anyone with respiratory problems against swimming or walking on the beach.
No one knows how long the bloom will linger.
"We think there will be a movement south, but don't know how long it will take," Truby said.
Red Tide is caused by a high concentration of microscopic algae. Fish die after sucking the toxic particles through their gills and into their bloodstream.
Glover and his two sons, Gordon Glover III, 43, of Massachusetts, and Garry Glover, 33, of Polk County said the bloom wasn't strong enough to keep the trout from biting their lines.
