Florida’s Gulf Coast Experiencing Invasion of Portugese Man O’ War, More Dangerous Than Jelly Fish to Spring Breakers

Florida’s Gulf Coast counties are experiencing an invasion of Portugese Man O’ War, and officials are warning Spring Breakers about the danger.

For many years the effort to advise and educate beach goers about the red warning flag system and the double-red flag warning system has borne fruit, but the lesser-known purple warning flag system is now coming into play, signifying dangerous sea life, such as sharks or these recent arrivals, the Man O’ War.

The Portugese Man O’ War sting is similar to a jellyfish but can be more dangerous, with the venom powerful enough to require a hospital visit.