Red Tide Threatens Florida's Southwest Coast, Scientists Say

Red tide is once again threatening Florida's southwest coast, even after scientists say a recent cold front knocked it back.

Medium counts of red tide organism were recorded in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties last week.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Rick Bartleson says he found 700,000 cells per liter near a preserve west of Fort Myers although he said he hasn't heard of any fish kills there.

Red tide organisms grow naturally in the Gulf of Mexico. High concentrations are harmful to wildlife and can cause respiratory problems in humans, which were reported this week in the counties affected by the bloom.


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