A health alert has been issued regarding red tide at several beaches in Sarasota County.

The Florida Department of Health alert targeted 12 beaches.

They include Ringling Causeway/Bird Key Park Beach, North Lido Beach, Lido Casino Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Park Beach and Manasota Key. Beach.

The highest concentrations were found in Venice Inlet, Venice Beach and Manasota Key Beach.

This means people should not wade or swim in areas where the toxin has been found. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning or pain in the eyes. Swimmers are asked to wash their skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if they have come into contact with red tide.

Lower concentrations are also found on beaches in southern Pinellas County. These include Redington Beach, John’s Pass, Pass-a-Grille, Fort DeSoto, Maximo Park and Egmont Key.

In Manatee County, average concentrations were found on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Lower amounts were reported at Coquina Beach and the Longboat Pass boat ramp on Sarasota Bay.

Fish kills suspected of being related to red tide were reported in Pinellas and Charlotte counties, while respiratory irritation was noted in Sarasota County.

State environmental officials say satellite images continue to show a long offshore area more than 100 miles long of high chlorophyll, stretching from Pinellas to Collier counties, and a few isolated areas farther south. north, off Pasco County and the Big Bend region.

Here are some tips from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

• Look for information signs posted at most public beaches and/or check the current water quality status at Protecting Florida together.
• Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and eye burns/pain.
• Wash your skin and clothes with soap and fresh water if you have recently been in contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
• Stay safe and stay away from this location, especially if you suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run air conditioning. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Do not harvest or eat distressed or dead shellfish or fish in this location. If caught alive and healthy, the fish are safe to eat as long as they are cut into fillets and their intestines discarded. Rinse the fillets in tap or bottled water.
• Red tide can cause illness and death in other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep animals away from water, marine life and dead marine life. If your pet swims in red tide waters, wash it as soon as possible with soap and water.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission