Red tide along Florida's Gulf Coast leads Gov. Scott to declare state of emergency

A blanket of red tide along Florida's Gulf Coast that's killing marine life in addition to emptying normally packed beaches with an unrelenting stench has caused the state's governor to declare a state of emergency for parts of the region. Florida Gov. Rick Scott's declaration covers Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, which will have "all state resources" deployed to ensure residents are safe and businesses can recover. Red tide — a naturally occurring toxic algae bloom that can be harmful to people with respiratory problems — has spread throughout the region since October and stretches about 150 miles from Naples to Anna Maria Island. The algae turns the water toxic for marine life, and in recent weeks beachgoers have discovered turtles, large fish, and even manatees washed up dead. In Sarasota County, 11 dead dolphins have been found and marine biologists are investigating if their deaths are linked to red tide, according to FOX13. Adam Stoneking, the general manager of Le Barge Tropical Cruise, told FOX13 he hasn't seen the local dolphin populations recently. "The fact that we just aren't seeing them and that they're not in the area anymore shows just how bad of a problem it is," he said. The Florida Wildlife Research Institute says the number of dead and stranded sea turtles this year is nearly three times higher than average. More than 450 stranded and dead sea turtles have been recovered in four affected counties, and the institute estimates that 250 to 300 died from red tide poisoning. In Sarasota County, officials said Friday that since Aug. 1 they have removed more than 66 tons of fish from county beaches. The stench from the fish is making it miserable for residents and tourists to be by the water...MORE