Algae bloom causes problems for beachgoers

The effects of a red tide that gave many beachgoers grief during the weekend continue. A red tide algae bloom near Bay County is probably what is causing local beachgoers problems as the wind carries it, said Sherman Wilhelm with the state Department of Consumer and Agricultural Services Division of Aquaculture. While it is likely getting airborne, the red tide found in the gulf near Bay County does not seem to be spreading far in the water, he said. The most recent water sampling results from last Friday show no evidence of red tide in the water in Walton or Okaloosa counties. "(The Bay County red tide) seems to be isolated," he said. Red tide is a toxic algae bloom that can kill fish and cause respiratory irritation, such as burning in the nose and throat, in humans. The scientific name for the organism is Karenia brevis. The red tide is not thought to cause any lasting health problems in most people, but it can be an annoyance for many.