Red tide at background levels in Lee, Collier

A red tide bloom that's been off the coast of Southwest Florida for a year is still showing a few signs of life in Lee and Collier waters. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says there are low to very low concentrations of red tide, caused here by the organism Karenia brevis. 

More:Dead zone conditions being reported in Gulf due to red tide

More:Environmental experts say Southwest Florida's algae blooms may not ease until winter

This is the longest bloom since one that lasted from summer 2004 until the spring 2006. 

Levels have been as high as 200 million cells per liter this summer but have mostly been at natural background levels in recent weeks. 

Millions of pounds of dead sea life was plucked from Lee beaches and shorelines this summer, and hundreds of sea turtle deaths have been attributed to the bloom. 

Red tide, along with the blue-green algae that plagued the Caloosahatchee River and Cape Coral canals, created a tourism nightmare.

The red tide kept thousands of people from the beaches and attracted negative national news, hurting hotels and restaurants.

While red tide is fading away in Southwest Florida, it has made its way into St. Lucie County and is also being found in the Florida Keys and the Panhandle, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Red tide season typically runs from October until the following spring. 

Connect with this reporter: Chad Gillis on Twitter. 

More:Pair paddles through northern Everglades over nine days, 134 watery miles