No good news in state agency's report on red tide | Thumb down

Treasure Coast Newspapers Editorial Board
Dead fish washed up along Bonita Beach due to red tide on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018. This red tide bloom has been along the Southwest Florida coast since October, when it was mostly offshore.

Red tide continues to wreak havoc in Southwest Florida waters.

Weekly reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission paint a troublesome picture of the damage being inflicted on both humans and marine life. 

MORE: Red tide mid-week update for Sept. 12, 2018

A report Wednesday by the state agency found that a bloom of red tide — technically Karenia brevis — "persists in Southwest Florida and extends from northern Pinellas to Lee counties along 125 miles of coastline." Additionally, "reports of fish kills were received for multiple locations in and/or offshore of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Lee counties," the agency noted. 

FWC also found respiratory irritation reported in the same four counties. 

Sadly, this toxic algae bloom doesn't appear to be dissipating anytime soon.