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Red tide killing fish on Siesta Key, scientists fear it will continue to spread to Tampa Bay

Posted at 5:07 PM, Aug 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-02 09:56:32-04

SIESTA KEY, Fla. — Red tide is killing fish up and down Florida’s west coast. The furthest north is Siesta Key. Hundreds of dead fish were seen littering the beaches on Wednesday.

“It’s really pretty miserable for everybody, it doesn’t feel good,” said Kathe Fannon.

Businesses along the coast say they're hurting because of red tide

Red tide can even make humans sick. Most beachgoers report coughing or a skin irritation once they are near a beach with red tide nearby.

Scientists with Mote Marine are tracking where the red tide is going next. 

“It really depends on conditions, it moves with current and winds,” said scientist Dr. Tracy Fanara.

Fanara said red tide effects usually weaken near the winter months. They are still studying this current to see how long it will impact the Siesta Key area.

Click hereto track the movement of red tide.