LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — The red tide impact continues to spread north on Florida’s west side. Dead fish and brown water were spotted as far north as Longboat Key on Friday afternoon. Scientists said the red tide impact could be felt on Pinellas County beaches starting this weekend.
"Currently it’s predicted to move north over the next three days into that area,” said scientist Dr. Vincent Lovko.
Lovko is a staff scientist at Mote Marine. He said they are tracking the bloom’s path, but the path can be unpredictable.
"The bloom can be very patchy, you can have some beaches that are impacted or not impacted at all,” said Lovko.
Red tide killing fish on Siesta Key, scientists fear it will continue to spread to Tampa Bay
Scientists are encouraging beach-goers to report red tide and track its path.
Click here to track Florida’s red tide.
Red tide causes coughing and skin irritation in humans, but doctors said the effects usually go away within an hour of leaving the beach.
