Updated November 9, 2026 by Bob Rountree
Friday, Nov. 6 — The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed in 12 samples from Northwest Florida and at background concentrations in one sample from Southwest Florida.
Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were present in six samples from Gulf County. Blooms exceeding 100,000 cells per liter are classified as a high-concentration alert level with likely adverse environmental and health impacts.
Respiratory irritation was reported in Gulf County, and fish kills were reported in both Gulf and Bay counties.
Imagery from November 5 shows elevated chlorophyll within estuarine waters of Bay and Gulf counties, where red tide has also been observed over the past week, and extending offshore.
The Florida Department of Health in Gulf County advises the public to be cautious due to the presence of red tide near St. Joseph Point, southwest of St. Joseph Bay at the northern tip of Cape San Blas, and near Eagle Harbor on the Gulf side in T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (also known as Cape San Blas State Park)..
An additional health alert was issued for Cape Palms Park on the Gulf side of Cape San Blas.
On Thursday, November 5, the Gulf County Health Department has issued alerts for:
- The public access area at Windmark Beach
- The Highland View Bridge and St. Joseph Peninsula Point on the bay side have been upgraded from a health caution to a health alert level.
- Near the Gulf side of the boat ramp in T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- The beach access near the Bay/Gulf County line
- Cape Palms Park on the Gulf side of Cape San Blas
- Near the Cape San Blas State Park boat ramp, the kayak launch by the stump hole, and the Frank Pate Park boat ramp.
The Bay County Health Department has issued alerts for:
- Mexico Beach and Carl Gray Park in Panama City.
Blooms of Karenia brevis commonly develop in late summer and build through the fall and early winter. Once a bloom starts, it frequently lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 months, though some can persist longer depending on currents and weather.
The beaches of Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach and Panama City are popular tourist destinations.
- In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in one sample collected from Pinellas County. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report and map.
- In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in Escambia County, background and low concentrations in Bay County, and background to high concentrations in Gulf County. For additional information, view the Northwest Coast report and map.
- Along the Florida East Coast over the past week, K. brevis was not observed. For additional information, view the East Coast report and map.
Satellite imagery from the University of South Florida and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is used to help track nearshore and offshore conditions.
Respiratory irritation reported
Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Gulf County over the past week.
Brevetoxins produced by the algae become aerosolized in the surf and wind, causing coughing, sneezing, and asthma-like symptoms in beachgoers and nearby residents.
For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf Coast Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast.
Fish kills reported
Several observations of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Bay and Gulf County to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or other partners over the past week.
It’s worth noting that the harvest of clams, oysters, and other filter-feeding shellfish is prohibited at even lower thresholds, starting around 5,000 cells/liter, due to the risk of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Related Stories
Red Tide causes concern for marine life in Gulf County
Red tide is a regular occurrence in St. Joseph’s Bay, where large numbers of dead fish have been reported. That’s a problem because fishing is a huge part of the county’s economy. Read more.
Red tide has returned to Bay and Gulf counties. Why so soon?
A red tide is festering in St. Joseph Bay less than a year after the last bloom ended, affecting residents between Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas. Read more.
Researchers: Red Tide now a chronic, recurring stressor on Florida coast
The findings link these trends to increasing water temperatures and the expanding human nutrient footprint in coastal waters along Florida’s West Coast. Read more.
Red tide FAQ
What is Red Tide? Common name for harmful algal blooms occurring along coastal regions in Florida from large concentrations of aquatic micro-organisms, specifically an organism called karenia brevis. Bloom events are stimulated by nutrients from terrestrial runoff containing fertilizer, sewage and livestock wastes.
Should I avoid red tide? Toxins from red tide can cause breathing problems and irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Reactions to red tide are worse for people with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or any chronic lung disease. If you have health issues, stay away from areas with red tide. Pets can become sick from red tide, so keep them away from those areas, as well as contaminated marine animals and fish.
Red tide can cause illness and death in pets.
Can we swim near red tide? Don’t swim in or around red tide because the toxin can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning and sore eyes.
What should I do if I come in contact with Red Tide? Wash off with soap and water. You can get relief from respiratory symptoms by being in an air-conditioned space. For people without asthma or chronic respiratory problems, over-the-counter antihistamines can help. If your symptoms don’t get better, see a doctor.
What about the dead fish on the beach? Red tides kill fish and other marine life — avoid contact and don’t swim or walk in areas with dead fish. Keep your pets away from these areas. Don’t harvest or eat distressed or dead fish (or any animals) from or near a red tide. Fish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted and rinsed thoroughly with fresh water.
Are shellfish affected by Red Tide? Crabs, lobsters, shrimp, clams, oysters and scallops are filter feeders that can concentrate toxins. These and other shellfish, if harvested from red tide areas, may be contaminated.
Does freezing weather kill the red tide organism?
Freezing weather does not directly kill the organisms (Karenia brevis) responsible for Florida red tide, but it can help dissipate blooms by disrupting their growth and pushing them offshore with strong winds.
While cold snaps may reduce the severity, they do not destroy the toxins, which remain active even in cold water.
For more details, go to the FWC’s Red Tide page.
Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Florida Department of Health
- Protecting Florida Together
- Florida Poison Control Information Center