Florida's red tide is the result of elevated concentrations of the microscopic alga, Karenia brevis (K. brevis). Reports of the toxic effects of red tide persist along Florida's Gulf Coast.  A state of emergency has been issued by Florida's Gov. Rick Scott for the following counties:  Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas.

EPC's Response to Red Tide

EPC has one of the longest, continuous water quality monitoring programs in the nation.  In response to the red tide event, we have increased our monitoring efforts in Lower Tampa Bay which include routine water quality monitoring, as well as benthic and seagrass monitoring.  12/5/2018 Update:  Low concentrations of K. brevis were observed in 2 of the 11 samples collected by EPC & Tampa Bay Water in this reporting period. The low samples were collected approximately 1nm WNW of Egmont Key and just WSW of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

For More Red Tide News and Information

Florida also monitors red tide concentrations through the collaborative efforts of the FWC, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Florida Department of Health, Mote Marine Laboratory, the University of South Florida, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), county agencies, private non-profit agencies, and volunteers.   FWC is the official source of information regarding the status of red tide along Florida's coastline and they publish current news regarding red tide and answers to frequently asked questions.

To find out more information on red tide in Florida visit:

Red Tide Current Status

Red Tide FAQ

Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources