Red tide detected in Pinellas County waters

Video above: Aerial view of Hurricane Helene damage in Madeira Beach

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are monitoring red tide levels in several locations throughout the county.

Medium concentrations of red tide were detected off St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach and the Dunedin Causeway, according to county officials. Low levels of red tide were found off Pass-a-Grille, the Clearwater Intracoastal Waterway and Honeymoon Island

Officials said it is not yet known if this red tide bloom is related to Hurricane Helene. Residents cleaning up their homes may experience respiratory irritation if red tide concentrations become high enough.

Residents who find dead fish near their homes can dispose of them with their regular trash. It is not known when red tide conditions will improve.

Residents can report fish kills to FWC through theFWC Reporter app, by calling (800) 636-0511 or by submitting a report online.

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