If you’re thinking about getting in the water this weekend near Jacksonville’s Fort George Island area — or visiting nearby Big Talbot Island or Little Talbot Island — you may want to reconsider.
Health officials are urging caution after medium concentrations of red tide were detected near the Fort George River. The Florida Department of Health in Duval County has issued a health alert for waters near Kingsley Plantation, north of the Fort George River.
The alert comes after a water sample collected August 11. By Friday, August 14, testing showed medium concentrations of the red-tide organism Karenia brevis, ranging from 100,000 to 1 million cells per liter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s current red tide status
map. The affected waters are near Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island, just south of Big Talbot Island State Park.
Here's what to know before heading into affected areas to prevent exposure for you and your pets.
What is red tide? What's Karenia brevis?
Red tide occurs when there are elevated concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic algae that produces neurotoxins. During a bloom, the water can sometimes take on a red or brown appearance.
The toxins don't stay confined to the water. Waves and wind can break up the algae and release toxins into the air, potentially causing irritation for people near the shoreline.
What symptoms may red tide cause?
When waves and wind break apart the algae, toxins can become airborne. For some people, that can mean burning or irritated eyes, skin irritation and respiratory problems.
People with chronic respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive, and children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.
What should you do if you're heading to the area?
Health officials recommend:
- Avoid swimming or wading in or around waters affected by red tide.
- Check posted signs and current water-quality advisories before heading out.
- If you come into contact with affected water, wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water.
- If you live near an affected shoreline, consider keeping windows closed and running the air conditioner. Make sure your filter is properly maintained.
- Do not harvest or eat shellfish from the affected area, and never eat distressed or dead fish.
- Healthy, live finfish can be eaten if properly prepared: fillet the fish, discard the guts and rinse the fillets with tap or bottled water.
Does red tide affect the health of pets?
Yes, red tide can also harm animals. Experts advise keeping dogs and other pets out of affected water and away from dead marine life. If a pet does enter the water, wash the animal with soap and fresh water as soon as possible.
Where can you check for updates?
Red tide conditions can change as water movement, wind and currents shift. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regularly collects samples around the state.
Residents and visitors can check the latest water-quality and harmful-algal-bloom information through Protecting Florida Together and the FWC's current red tide status map.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Red tide detected near Kingsley Plantation in Duval County
