JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A rare red tide bloom has been detected in Jacksonville near Fort George Inlet, raising questions for people who live, work and spend time along the waterway.
Red tide is a harmful algal bloom that can release toxins into the water and air.
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It’s caused primarily by an organism called Karenia brevis, a microscopic alga that produces toxins that can harm fish, birds and other marine life.
The FWC says while red tide is found almost exclusively in the Gulf, where it occurs from Mexico to Florida, it can be transported along the coast as water moves with winds and currents.
In some cases, those blooms can be carried by the Gulf Stream into the Atlantic Ocean, as far north as Delaware.
According to new research, the blooms are happening more often and becoming more severe as coastal waters heat up.
The FWC rated the red tide spotted around Fort George Inlet at a medium concentration and Northeast Florida is currently the only area with positive tests, according to an FWC tracking map.
Medium concentration doesn’t mean you’ll get sick right away, but it does raise concerns about respiratory irritation, especially when winds pull contaminated air toward shore.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Burning or watery eyes
- Throat irritation
- Skin irritation
The impacts can extend beyond breathing problems. Red tide can kill fish and accumulate within shellfish and clams.
For some beachgoers, the warning came as a surprise.
Belynda Rutledge was about to go paddleboarding near Fort George Inlet when News4JAX told her about the red tide warning.
“Change of plans. Thank you. I normally do a lot of research before I do anything, and I didn’t even think to research red tide in this area,” she said.
“It’s too close to the inlet to have red tide. Are you sure you’re right?” Rutledge added.
Others said they had never seen red tide this far north before.
“I haven’t heard anything about the red tide being around here. So that’s new,” said Tammy Trump, a beachgoer.
“The last time I saw it, I was seven years old, so I was very surprised,” she added.
Before heading to the beach, check local red tide conditions.
If you notice any irritation while you’re there, move away from the area. And keep your pets away from affected water and dead fish, the toxins can make them sick too.
The FWC says it anticipates receiving new water samples from the area.
Once those samples have been processed, the results will be added to its red tide map.