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Red tide bloom moves away from beaches

Posted at 5:10 PM, Aug 29, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-29 18:43:06-04

Scientists believe the current wind patterns are shifting the red tide bloom away from the Florida coastline. 

“The winds and water currents are pushing the surface part of the water offshore currently,” said Mote Marine Scientists Dr. Vincent Lovko.

Red tide activity increasing in Pinellas, decreasing in southern counties

Beach business owners report low levels of dead fish. They also said respiratory issues seem to be going away.

“It’s so refreshing to breathe, it was just horrible for so long,” said property manager Donna Zook.

Scientists said the forecast shows winds still pushing the algae bloom away from Florida beaches through the Labor Day weekend.

“I’m optimistic, but I don’t want to tell people to come back, because it could move right back in, so I want to make sure it’s really clear,” said Zook.