Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/112475
NEWS BRIEFS Turtle Beach, on the southern end of Siesta Key, is one of the areas affected by red tide again this week. Photo by Norman Schimmel RED TIDE RETURNS TO SOUTHERN COUNTY BEACHES Recent beach water samples collected by the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and analyzed by Mote Marine Laboratory for the red tide algae (Karenia brevis) show an increase over test results from last week, Sarasota County announced on Feb. 27. Sarasota County lifeguards were reporting slight to moderate respiratory irritation caused by red tide���s airborne toxins blowing ashore at the various beaches, the release points out. Beachgoers may experience coughing, sneezing, scratchy throat or teary eyes, it notes. These effects should be tempoHigher levels of Karenia brevis were found at rary, disappearing when the affected people the following county beaches: Siesta Beach, leave the beach, the release adds. Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club Park, Venice Fish- However, people with asthma, emphysema or ing Pier, Brohard Beach, Caspersen Beach and other chronic respiratory impairments should Manasota Beach, a county news release says. be aware of places where red tide impacts are Lifeguards at impacted beaches post signage being reported and avoid those areas, the readvising the public about the red tide and rec- lease cautions. If persons experience sympommending that they check Mote Marine���s toms ��� especially if they have a chronic lung Beach Conditions Report about red tide ef- condition ��� health officials advise them to fects on local and other regional beaches in make alternative plans away from red tide-afSouthwest Florida, the release notes. fected areas. If symptoms persist, persons