A bloom of algae in Old Tampa Bay has been confirmed by the Pinellas County Environmental Management.
It stretches from Safety Harbor to the south end of the Bayside Bridge.
Fish kills have also been reported in the area.
Residents may experience an odor due to the algae bloom and fish kill.
Pyrodinium bahamense blooms typically occur in the summer months in Old Tampa Bay. It is not the organism known as Florida red tide, although blooms can have a reddish-brown tint.
Algae like this species is fueled by nutrients, including those in fertilizers, sediment, yard waste and animal waste. These nutrients are carried into Tampa Bay and other local water bodies through stormwater runoff. Warm water temperatures and sunny weather after heavy rainfall also contribute to the blooms.
If residents observe fish kills, they should call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish Kill Hotline at (800) 636-0511 or visit MyFWC.com/FishKill to report them.
