Is the area having seaweed issues!

Question

Hi - headed to AMI next week. Does AMI and the surrounding beaches have seaweed issues right now? We have been through red tide in Siesta Key a couple of years ago. Is this similar?

Answer

Good question! Short answer: yes — Anna Maria Island (AMI) has seen red tide issues recently, which is different from the typical “seaweed blob” (sargassum) concern. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should know for your trip next week:

Current Conditions on Anna Maria Island

There is an active red tide health alert in some parts of AMI, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The red tide organism, *Karenia brevis*, was detected in samples along the gulf waters near Manatee County.
The county (Manatee) performs beach sweeps to remove seaweed, dead fish, and debris associated with red tide.

Seaweed (Sargassum) vs. Red Tide — What’s the Difference?

Sargassum: This is floating seaweed that sometimes washes ashore (“seaweed blob”), but is not the same as red tide. Historically, AMI has had some sargassum, especially after certain winds.
Red Tide: Caused by a microscopic alga (*Karenia brevis*) that can be harmful — it can irritate skin and eyes, cause respiratory symptoms, and sometimes leads to dead fish washing ashore.
Recent reports lean toward red tide concerns, rather than a massive sargassum blob.

How It Compares to What You Experienced at Siesta Key

If you went through a red tide event in Siesta Key, the situation on AMI could feel somewhat similar — since the current alert is also for red tide. But it’s not exactly the same as a big floating seaweed mass (sargassum). The main risk now on AMI seems to be related to microscopic algae, not giant clumps of seaweed.

What to Know for Your Trip

Check daily beach-condition updates: The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) and local Manatee County or AMI resources provide real-time sampling data.
If you go to the water and start to feel eye or throat irritation, coughing, or other respiratory symptoms, it could be due to red tide — rinse off, and consider avoiding swimming in that area until conditions improve.
Avoid “dead fish” areas: If you happen to see dead fish washed up, steer clear — red tide is often tied to fish kills, and contact can worsen symptoms.
For the most updated alerts, check the FWC Red Tide Current Status page or local AMI beach-condition resources.

Bottom Line: Yes, there is red tide activity in and around Anna Maria Island currently, which carries potential risks (respiratory, skin, irritation). It’s not exactly a giant sargassum seaweed blob scenario — more of a microscopic algae issue. If you're sensitive (or have respiratory issues), keeping an eye on conditions when you’re there is a smart move.

Is the area having seaweed issues!

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