Watch: Photojournalist Releases Video Of Red Tide In St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG. FL -- If there's any doubt that red tide is continuing to devastate the Pinellas County coastline, take a look at this video by Tampa Bay photojournalist Todd J. Burgess.

The county’s most recent testing Wednesday showed high concentrations of Karenia brevis (red tide algae) at the Gulfport Fishing Pier, Pass-A-Grille, John’s Pass, Redington Shores, Indian Rocks Beach 20th Avenue Parkway Bay, Belleair Beach and within the Intracoastal Waterway in Treasure Island.

County Environmental Management investigated reports of extremely discolored water off the coast of Gulfport in Boca Ciega Bay on Tuesday and found it to be a highly intense concentration of Karenia brevis.

Respiratory irritation was reported to be high in the area.

Red tide impacts continue to be felt from the mid-county beaches and waterways south. Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach did not have red tide in the most recent testing.

The county’s cleanup efforts are focused from the mid-county to the south county and within the Intracoastal Waterway. Harvesting boats, skimmers, beach rakes and hand crews are all being deployed.

Staff will monitor the red tide inspection app throughout the weekend.

As of Thursday, the county had removed and disposed of 1,619 tons of red tide-related debris.

The public can report fish kills through the reporting tool or visit the county's red tide website.

Video by Todd J. Burgess

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