Red Tide Watch: Big Bend Hotspots — Check Before You Beachcomb
(Oct 28, 2025)
Today’s currents bring a reminder from your dapper shark: parts of Florida’s Big Bend are seeing a bump in red tide—the toxic bloom caused by Karenia brevis. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported bloom-level concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) in five recent samples from Gulf County. Fish kills in Bay & Gulf counties were also reported.
For the fossil-seeker and beach-comber alike, this means:
- If you’re sensitive to smoke, pollen, or sea-breeze irritants, steer clear of exposed beach fronts where red-tide aerosol may trigger eye/throat irritation.
- Conditions are very patchy—one beach may read “clear,” the next may show disturbance. A quick look at the FWC map shows activity near St. Joseph Bay.
- As Arthur says: keep it elegant & mindful. If you feel scratchy eyes or a throat tickle, pivot bayside, take a break, or document yesterday’s finds at home.
What to do before you go:
- Check the FWC Red Tide Current Status map (updated daily)
- Look for county health alerts
- Pack a small first-aid kit; rinse clothes/gear after exposure; avoid harvesting shellfish in bloom zones; keep pets out of suspect water.
