WTSP Evaluates Red Tide Situation in Aftermath of Hurricane Elsa
Date Posted: 7/27/2021
TEGNA’S CBS affiliate WTSP St. Petersburg, Fla., reported on July 10 about the effect of Hurricane Elsa on the lingering red tide situation in the Tampa Bay area, a harmful algal bloom that produces toxins that can kill fish and cause respiratory problems in humans. "It certainly doesn’t seem like, as we had all had our fingers crossed, that Tropical Storm Elsa helped the red tide situation, it certainly didn’t flush it out of Tampa Bay," said Dr. Lisa Krimsky, a regional water resources extension agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension. WTSP also reported on July 15 about the symptoms people may experience from swimming in red tide waters, breathing nearby air and eating contaminated shellfish. Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, shortness of breath and tingling of the fingers and toes can occur, and symptoms can be more critical for those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma.