Red Tide Inching Up SW Florida Coastline

SARASOTA (CBSMiami/AP) – Beachside city officials from Sanibel Island to Sarasota are keeping an eye on a red tide which is creeping up the southwest Florida coastline.

So far, wind conditions and currents have kept the dead fish off the area's beaches. But officials say that could change in the next few days. State wildlife officials said they noticed a large fish kill, containing hundreds of fish, on Tuesday about four miles off Sanibel Island. They say the fish were likely killed by the red tide.

The red tide is caused by Karenia brevis algae, which produce dangerous toxins that get into the water and air. In addition to killing fish, it can also cause respiratory in people as winds blow the toxins toward the shore.

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