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Sarasota News Leader January 4, 2013 Page 54 COUNTY REMOVES THOUSANDS OF DEAD FISH FROM BEACHES Sarasota County staff worked with non-violent offenders from the Sarasota County Sheriff���s Offender Work Program to remove more than 9,000 pounds (4.5 tons) of dead fish from Blind Pass Beach and Manasota Beach on Manasota Key Dec. 27-28, the county announced in a news release. Subsequent weather systems reportedly diminished the impact of red tide in the Gulf. Residents and visitors with asthma or chronic respiratory impairments who are planning to visit a local beach are encouraged to be aware of beach conditions where red tide impacts are being reported, the release points out. For The suspected cause of the fish kill was a red those who are susceptible, the symptoms astide bloom located offshore in the Gulf of sociated with red tide tend to become more noticeable when the winds are blowing onMexico, the release notes. shore, it adds. The dead fish started washing ashore earlier Current beach conditions may be found online in the week, the release adds. at Mote Marine Laboratory���s website, www. County staff, including lifeguards and employ- mote.org/beaches. Residents and visitors also ees of Parks and Recreation, are continuing to can register to receive email reports about monitor all public beaches for impacts of red specific beaches. For telephone updates, call tide and will respond as the need arises, the 941-BEACHES (232-2437) and press ���1��� for Sarasota County beaches, the release notes. release says. On Dec. 28, Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason took this photo of dead fish on Blind Pass Beach in the southern part of the county. Photo courtesy Sarasota County