Red drift algae could pile up on SWFL beaches in 2014

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - Mounds of red blanketed southwest Florida's white sandy beaches in 2006 and 2007, an unwelcoming sight to visitors and long-time resident Diane Cortese.

"For as long as the eye could see, we saw red drift algae," said Cortese. "...You know [visitors] come for the shells. They come for the sunshine. They come to relax, and you can't even do that. You can't even walk out into the water, because you don't know what's in the water as well."

Red drift algae don't smell that great but they're not harmful to your health. Algae are really just a nuisance to beach-goers, and guests expecting a sugar-sand shoreline in 2014 may instead get a red eyeful.