Red tide fish kill washes up on South County beaches

A lingering red tide bloom is continuing to deposit dead fish on the county's southern beaches, making beach days from Nokomis south less than pleasant.

Dead fish were reported on Nokomis Beach, Venice North Jetty Beach and Venice Beach. Several dead fish were reported on Manasota Key beaches. County staff are cleaning up the fish.

The only beach where red tide was strong enough to cause reports of moderate respiratory irritation was the Venice North Jetty Beach.

Sarasota County health officials advised pet owners that red tide can also affect dogs brought to the beach.

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