Red tide levels grow in Sarasota and Manatee counties

After dissipating near the end of August, the red tide that has killed marine life and closed beaches is back again.

For nearly 11 months, red tide has lingered off the coast of Southwest Florida, and samples from Monday show that levels are increasing in Sarasota and Manatee counties as winds continue to push the bloom around local waters.

This week, low to medium levels were measured off Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, and medium to high levels of red tide were measured in parts of southern Sarasota County, according to samples by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.