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.

SANIBEL, Florida – Good news, fans of Sanibel Island and southwest Florida: the red tide outbreak that plagued the coastline for much of late summer and fall appears to be gone, at least for now.

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 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.

Karenia brevis is the organism that causes red tide, and Thompson, a Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation researcher, is one of a myriad of scientists trying to better understand and maybe even ...

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 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 ...

To report symptoms from Florida red tide or any aquatic toxin, call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately. Advertisement To report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife ...