Red tide levels lower in Manatee, Sarasota after Hurricane Michael churns up the Gulf

MANATEE - Just days after Hurricane Michael stormed through the Gulf of Mexico, red tide might be on its way out of the area, according to the latest update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Five of the nine samples taken in Manatee County waters reported that the Karenia brevis algae bloom was not present. The other four samples showed background, very low or low traces of red tide.

According to FWC, those results account for a 5 to 25 percent decrease.