Red tide found in parts of Sanibel, Captiva Islands

Red tide is back on the beaches of Southwest Florida after a moderate to high sample was taken this week near Sanibel and Captiva.

It is the first week that water samples have shown high concentrations.

Researchers know this has a negative impact on local wildlife and the ecosystem, and also think the Lake Okeechobee water releases play a part in the problem.

The first thing people at the beach, like Tammy Blanchard, notice is the brown water.

"I wanted to show [my friend] how beautiful Sanibel Island was and the water was brown," Blanchard said.

But what visitors like Blanchard can't see is the red tide.

FWC and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation monitor local water conditions each week.