Presence of Red Tide Algae on Florida’s Gulf Coast Killed Fish, Caused Breathing Problems and Burning Eyes, Festival Cancelled

Dead fish lay at the high tide line on Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County, Fla., on March 9, 2023. Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Florida residents and visitors to local beaches have reported respiratory issues and burning eyes following an increased presence of red tide algae in the water.

The onset of the algae has caused dead fish to wash up on the shores. A beachside festival scheduled for next month has been canceled, raising concerns about any algae remaining on Florida’s coastline for an extended period after the algae started blooming last October.