Red tide advisories issued for several Bay Area beaches

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Dead fish and foul smells litter beaches from Lee up to Pinellas county as a large bloom of Karenia brevis - the algae known as red tide - takes hold in the area.

Testing of beach water revealed high levels of  the algae, which can also cause respiratory problems in humans - sometimes severe.

As of Friday, fish kills affecting multiple species, as well as respiratory irritation, have been reported at locations along Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Making matters worse, forecasts show little or no movement in offshore surface waters in the coming days.

In addition to red tide, warnings of bacteria in the water at beaches in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties were issued Thursday.

To view tables and maps of water test results, visit MyFWC.com/RedTideStatus.

Beaches where warnings or no swim advisories are likely to stay posted throughout the weekend - for red tide and/or bacteria - include: 

Hillsborough
Ben T. Davis Beach
E.G. Simmons Park Beach

Pinellas
Clearwater Beach
John's Pass
Sunset Beach

Manatee
Anna Maria Island
School Key
Longboat Pass

Sarasota
Longboat Key Beach
New Pass Dock
Bay Dock
Lido beaches
Turtle Beach
Nokomis Beach