Bad news for beachgoers: Red tide levels stay on rise in Manatee, Sarasota counties

MANATEE - This week’s red tide report brings more bad news for Manatee waters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said red tide levels were between 5 and 25 percent higher in Manatee County. Six of the agency’s 24 water samples this week indicated high concentrations of Karenia brevis algae.

Samples taken offshore of Anna Maria Island revealed concentrations of more than 1 million K. brevis cells per liter. Researchers also found high levels inshore along Cortez Beach, the Longboat Pass Boat ramp and Atlas Street.