Red tide continues up and down SWFL coast, some improvements in Collier County

Reporter: Taylor Smith Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Above are Southwest Florida red tide concentrations as of 11 p.m. Friday, Dec,. 18, 2020. Credit: WINK News.

There are some beaches you’ll want to avoid this weekend in Southwest Florida due to red tide and the dead fish washing ashore. Red tide is up and down the region’s coast, with high concentrations near Captiva Island recently.

Meanwhile, there are some improvements in Collier County Friday.

Our crew could still feel the effects of red tide at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in North Naples to end the week but did not see and fish kills. However, a local fisherman sent us a video of dead fish floating in the water near the area.

Above are Southwest Florida red tide concentrations as of 11 p.m. Friday, Dec,. 18, 2020. Credit: WINK News.

Collier County red tide reports show medium levels at Vanderbilt Beach, Naples Pier and south Marco Island beach.

Visitors to Southwest Florida who have been spending most of their time on the beach told us they felt conditions were much better than a few days ago.

“I saw a lot of dead fish on the beach,” Brandon Krause said. “I actually stepped on a dead catfish. Two days ago, I was coughing and sneezing pretty bad, and then yesterday just a little cough. And today, I haunt coughed or sneezed once, so it’s been good”

The next red tide sample collection will be done Monday.

Conditions can change daily. We will be sure to update you with the results.

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