The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a red tide alert.

LEE COUNTY, Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert due to red tide blooms found near Blind, Boca Grande and Sanibel passes.

This is a response to water samples taken a week ago, January 31, 2023 and February 1, 2023. Southwest Florida had strong northeasterly winds that pushed the flowers further offshore.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Look for information signs posted on most beaches.
• Stay away from water and don’t swim in waters with dead fish.
• Those with chronic respiratory conditions should be especially careful to stay away from this place as the red tide can affect your breathing.
• Do not harvest or eat shellfish, spoiled or dead fish in this area. Fish caught alive and healthy can be eaten if they are divided into fillets and the intestines discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Wash skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have recently been in contact with a red flush.
• Keep pets and livestock away from water, sea foam and dead marine life. If your pet swims in red tide waters, wash them as soon as possible.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close their windows and turn on the air conditioner, making sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• When outdoors near the affected area, residents may wear masks, especially if offshore winds are blowing.