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NAVARRE

Low levels of red tide detected at Navarre Beach Pier

Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY NETWORK

Low levels of red tide have been detected in sampling from the Navarre Beach Pier.

A sample collected Tuesday at the pier showed a low amount of a microscopic alga called Karenia brevis that causes red tide, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's daily sampling map.

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County on Thursday warned residents and visitors to use caution when on the beach or in waters with high concentrations of red tide.

Both people and pets should stay away from affected areas until the blooms move further offshore or go away.

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Red tide algal blooms can change rapidly, staying in one place for months or just a few days or weeks. Red tide is also patchy, meaning that other area beaches may not be affected to the same extents.

During the past week, Karenia brevis was observed at very low concentrations in Escambia County in one sample, according to the FWC's red tide update from Wednesday. It also was found in very low concentrations in Okaloosa County in two samples and background and very low concentrations in Walton County in two samples.

Henry Merrill, of Milton, casts from the fishing pier in Navarre Beach on Nov. 6, 2017.

Symptoms from breathing red tide usually include coughing, sneezing and watery eyes, according to the health department. For most people, symptoms are temporary and typically go away when the person leaves the area. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the effects, and over-the-counter antihistamines decrease symptoms.

Pet owners are advised that red tide poses a risk to animals brought to the beach. Red tide can affect animals if they drink affected water, lick their wet paws or fur or breathe marine aerosols.

Residents sensitive to red tide and living in beach areas affected by blooms are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner (making sure that the AC filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications).

Seafood, including shellfish, in restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and markets is safe to eat. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly to prevent exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Shellfish should not be harvested or eaten from areas with active red tide.

Beachgoers are encouraged to check conditions before they got to the beach as conditions change daily.

Call the Florida Poison Control Centers 24/7 Hotline for reporting of illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide at 1-800-222-1222.