Red tide confirmed along Brevard County beaches

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Red tide is officially floating off of the Brevard County coasts. 

Brevard County is warning beachgoers that a high level of toxic red algae is in Satellite Beach and surrounding areas. The Florida Department of Health says to protect your family and pets by staying away from the affected aras until the blooms move further off shore.

While the beaches are still open, signs are up warning of the red tide conditions. Officials say if you feel any respiratory issues, you should leave.

Along the beach in Melbourne, dead fish can be seen along the shore. County tests results found red tide in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Indiatlantic, and Satellite beaches. 

Experts say that the algae blooms are kept alive by warm water temperatures and pollution from the nitrogen and phosphorus found in waste water and storm water.

Over on the west coast of Florida, red tide algae has left tourist-related businesses in ruins. Scientists believe ocean currents swept the red tide around the Florida Peninsula to the east coast. Businesses and residents are hoping it won't last long, but the dead fish continue to wash ashore and throats are still stinging.

The local tourism office is preparing handouts for businesses to hand out to customers explaining all they need to know about red tide and some precautions you need to take. 

While red tide has been confirmed in Brevard County, no signs of red tide have been found on the Volusia County beaches yet.