Pinellas County starts red tide cleanup for beaches
June 15, 2021 - Pinellas County has initiated a cleanup of dead marine life from the county’s beaches as red tide persists. The crews are expected to begin work late today or on Wednesday. Patches of the toxic algae bloom were captured via satellite imagery. Forecasting models show it moving north for the next seven to 10 days, according to the county's news release on Tuesday. Red tide produces a toxin that can harm all forms of marine life and can cause respiratory issues in humans. Although red tide is present off the Pinellas County coast, it is not necessarily present at all beaches, according to the county. People can check beach conditions at www.beachesupdate.com and via the Red Tide Respiratory Forecast Tool.