Red tide found in Pinellas County waters [Video]

Officials said they don’t know if Hurricane Helene is linked to the recent presence of red tide in Pinellas County waters.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have detected low to medium concentrations of red tide in recent water samples.

In a news release, county leaders said low concentrations were found off Pass-a-Grille, the Clearwater Intracoastal Waterway and Honeymoon Island while medium concentrations were found off St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach and Dunedin Causeway.

“Residents along the beach communities, especially those cleaning out their homes and businesses from Hurricane Helene, may experience respiratory irritation when concentrations are higher, especially when the wind is blowing onshore,” county leaders stated in the release.

Officials noted that it’s unknown if Hurricane Helene is linked to the presence of red tide in Pinellas County waters.