Is red tide still impacting beaches in Sarasota, Manatee?

Beachgoers in Sarasota and Manatee counties have enjoyed a reprieve from red tide in recent weeks, but a new advisory indicates that red tide could still impact local beaches.

The Florida Department of Health and Human Services in Sarasota County issued an advisory that elevated levels of red tide has been detected once again near popular tourism hotspots, including Bird Key, the Ringling Causeway, North Lido, Lido Casino, South Lido, and Siesta Key beaches.

Previously: Critical weeks ahead for red tide as tourist season in Sarasota and Manatee heats up

Red tide: Even with persistent red tide, Sarasota waterfront business is booming

Red tide clears up, sort of

A massive red tide bloom has lingered just offshore from much of Southwest Florida since late October. Conditions began to show significant signs of significant improvement offshore from Sarasota and Manatee about two weeks ago.

But the DOH-Sarasota advisory and a limited amount of samples published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner this week show that red tide could be creeping back into local waters.