Increased red tide levels have been detected on southern Sarasota County beaches, according to the latest beach water samples collected by the Sarasota County Health Department and analyzed by Mote Marine Laboratory. The red tide algae Karenia brevis showed a marked increase over test results from a week ago, with the most significant increase found at southern Sarasota County beaches, according to a report late Tuesday. The highest levels occurred at Manasota Beach.

People with asthma or chronic respiratory impairments may experience heightened symptoms associated with red tide when winds are blowing onshore. Sarasota County staff is working with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Work Offender program to remove fish impacted by red tide on Manasota Beach, Nokomis Beach, Venice Beach and Brohard Beach Dog Park. County staff continues to inspect beaches and to respond to reports of dead sea life. Lifeguards are reporting no effects of red tide on any county beaches north of Nokomis Beach. Beaches in central and northern Sarasota County showing low to moderate levels of red tide include Siesta, Lido, South Lido, North Lido, Turtle, Palmer Point, the south end of Siesta Key and the north end of Casey Key. Residents and visitors can check beach conditions before heading out to the beach. The Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report is updated at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Go to www.mote.org/beaches, register to receive email updates about specific beaches, or call 941-BEACHES (232-2437). Additional resources for beach-condition information include www.visitsarasota.org/beaches, www.visitsarasota.org/media-room and www.myfwc.com/research/redtide/.