A red tide health alert remains in effect as of Monday, Aug. 17, for waters near Duval County's coastline, and the Florida Department of Health in Duval County is urging Beaches-area residents and visitors to stay out of affected waterways.

Karenia brevis, the toxin-producing organism that causes red tide, was detected at medium concentrations in parts of Fort George Inlet as of Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to the Florida Times-Union. That means between 100,000 and 1,000,000 cells per liter. Very low concentrations were also found at St. Johns Inlet, the waterway closest to Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

Concentrations have risen sharply in five days. A Friday, Aug. 7, update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed only background-to-low concentrations in 13 samples along the East Coast. By Wednesday, Aug. 12, multiple sites registered very low, low and medium levels. Northeast Florida is the only area in the state with positive red tide tests.

What residents should watch for

Red tide toxins can become airborne when waves and wind break up the algae. DOH-Duval warns that exposure can cause skin irritation, rashes, burning eyes, coughing, sneezing and throat irritation. Children, older adults, people who are immunocompromised and those with chronic respiratory conditions face higher risk of severe symptoms.

What to do

DOH-Duval advises residents and visitors to:

  • Avoid swimming or wading in affected waters
  • Wash skin and clothing with soap and fresh water after any contact
  • Keep windows closed and run air conditioning with a properly maintained filter if airborne irritation is present
  • Avoid eating shellfish or dead fish from affected areas (fish caught alive and healthy are safe if filleted, gutted and rinsed with tap or bottled water)
  • Keep pets and livestock away from affected waters and dead marine life; wash animals with soap and water immediately if exposed

Ruben Perry, a retired fisherman who regularly fishes near Fort George Inlet, told Action News Jax on Tuesday, Aug. 11, that he avoids the area when red tide is present. "You don't want that in your body. I don't," Perry said.

How to stay informed

Informational signage is posted at most public beaches. Residents can check the latest conditions at protectingfloridatogether.gov or the FWC's red tide status map. To report symptoms, call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. For health questions about the bloom, contact DOH-Duval at 904-253-1280 or call the statewide hotline at 866-300-9399.

Upcoming community events

While conditions are monitored, Beaches residents can enjoy these on-land events:

  • Atlantic Beach Farmers Market: Sundays, Jack Russell Park, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach
  • North Beaches Art Walk: Thursday, Aug. 20, 5–9 p.m., 200 First St., Neptune Beach
  • The Right Whale Closing Reception and Film Screening: Tuesday, Aug. 25, Beaches Museum, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (free admission)
  • Opening Reception: Aspects of Painting: Friday, Aug. 28, Beaches Museum, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (free admission)
  • Beaches Book Day: Saturday, Aug. 29, Beaches Museum, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (free admission)

Conditions may change quickly. Residents should check the FWC map before heading to the water.