Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re heading to the beach this spring break season, you may want to double-check that dead fish and murky waters won’t greet you when you get there.

Red tide conditions, caused by a harmful algal bloom, have been reported along Florida’s Gulf Coast this month.

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FWC offers several ways to track red tide before you head to the beach:

The map below contains information from the last eight days of sampling for the algae that cause red tide, Karenia brevis. The map is updated daily at 5 p.m. You can click on each dot for individual sample details.

Read: 9 things to know about red tide in Florida

You can call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Or callers from outside of Florida can dial 727-502-4956 to check conditions.

If you’re headed to Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report also provides up-to-date information about the effects of red tide, including reports of dead fish, respiratory irritation among beachgoers, water color, and wind direction.

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Red tide facts Here are 9 things you need to know about red tide, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (WFTV.com News Staff)

Read: ‘Huge’ bloom of seaweed looms in the Atlantic, likely headed to Florida beaches

What is Red Tide? What is Red Tide? (NCD)

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