Weather service issues red tide hazard for Lee, Charlotte beaches

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FILE: Dead fish at Englewood Beach. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)
FILE: Dead fish at Englewood Beach. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Beaches in Charlotte and Lee counties are being plagued by notable levels of red tide, which has prompted a beach hazard warning from the National Weather Service.

The warning for red tide was issued on Thursday and will extend until next Monday.

Charlotte County’s coastal area is expected to have moderate to high levels of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, through Monday, according to forecasts the from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Here is a breakdown:

  • Northern Charlotte County: Moderate levels of red tide from Thursday to Monday
  • Southern Charlotte County: High levels of red tide from Thursday to Saturday, then moderate levels from Sunday through Monday
  • Southern Charlotte County, near the bay: High levels of red tide from Thursday through Monday

Northern Lee County will have high levels of red tide through Saturday.

Red tide could continue to kill marine life that will wash ashore. It also creates respiratory irritation for beach visitors.

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