ST. PETERSBURG (970 WFLA) -- Marine scientists are tracking a red tide bloom along southwest Florida's gulf coast.
Michele Kerr with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg says the strongest concentrations are in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. Low concentrations are reported in Manatee County and trace amounts have been tracked on Pinellas beaches.
Spokesperson Michele Kerr with the state's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Pete, says the cold won't wipe it out, but winds and currents could break it up.
They've had reports of fish kills and human respiratory irritation south of Sarasota. Red tide is an algae bloom (Karenia brevis) that can cause coughing and watery eyes. But it kills fish.