PORT CHARLOTTE — The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Punta Gorda Beach and Little Gasparilla Island and a health caution for Boca Grande Causeway (Gasparilla Sound). This is in response to water samples taken on October 24, 2024 and October 28, 2024 respectively. The public should exercise caution in these areas.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions if near affected area:

• Look for informational signage posted at most public beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.
• Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning/sore eyes.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
• Remain cautious and stay away from this location, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted, and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Red tide can cause illness and death of other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep animals away and out of the water and sea life and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.