Red tide renews its nasty grip on Anna Maria Island beaches
MANATEE - Signs of the persistent red tide bloom reappeared on Anna Maria Island this weekend after seeming to recede.
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, has besieged local beaches for more than a month with its odor, fish carcasses and dark water. The algae bloom has also been thought by scientists to be what has killed turtles, dolphins, sharks and manatees in Florida’s waters.
Since early August, Manatee County crews have removed 289 tons of fish, according to Nick Azzara, information outreach manager for Manatee County.
This weekend, dead fish again washed up on Anna Maria Island shores.