The Florida Department of Health has issued several red tide warnings in Southwest Florida recently. In Sanibel, red tide has taken over popular beaches, causing concern among residents and visitors.

Bill and Linda Gibney, residents of Sanibel, shared their experiences with the red tide. “When you go in the backyard, is really the worst, and the wind just comes at you.

Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing microscopic algae, called K. brevis, that is found in the Gulf of Mexico. Tests conducted Dec. 5 of water samples confirm the red tide.

A red tide alert sign is seen at beachside at Gulfside City Beach Park on Sanibel on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. Red tide has been documented off the coast of Southwest Florida including Sanibel.

Red tide is currently blanketing the Southwest Florida coast. Levels from Tampa Bay south to Marco Island range from around 10,000 cells per liter to more than 1 million cells per liter, according ...

Red tide has been documented off the coast of Southwest Florida including Sanibel. Some areas are seeing dead fish. And it's not just the water that is producing toxins as wind and waves can cause ...

Red tide blooming near Florida Gulf coast beaches has drifted closer to Sarasota County over the ... and that it predominantly affected the Sanibel Island area in Lee County until recent ...

Red tide and seaweed threaten Florida beaches Holly Smith, the mayor of Sanibel, Florida, joins CBS News' Tony Dokoupil and Lilia Luciano to discuss the environmental issues that are posing ...

Red tide along some Florida beaches prompts warnings to stay away from the water By . ... He and his team put out a warning for several beaches on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida.