Florida’s toxic red tide, which has caused terrible damage to Florida’s southwest coast this year, has now spread to the state’s east coast, particularly the area around Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, washing dead fish and other marine life up on shore. The spread of the algae bloom is worst along the Brevard County beaches just south of Sebastian Inlet, with people complaining of itching throats and respiratory problems.
The county just posted 300 signs to warm beachgoers about the red tide, putting them up on lifeguard stations and in area parks and oceanfront hotels. Meanwhile, volunteers have cleared thousands of dead fish from Cocoa Beach and Golden Sands Park in Indian River. County officials are worried that the red tide could spread north to Cape Canaveral.
Don Walker, a spokesman for the county, said that water tests confirmed the presence of the toxic algae. He said testing will continue for the condition, “which is known to pose health risks ranging from minor eye, nose and throat irritation to more serious issues for people who suffer chronic respiratory illnesses.”
The county’s environmental health and safety office is working with schools to limit outside activities and temporarily close outside air ventilation if the red tide’s problems are noticeable indoors. Read more:
