Red tide continues to be found in Gulf County waters, appearing in background and very low concentrations in water samples taken on February 2, 2026.
Red tide first appeared in Gulf County waters in September.
Background concentrations were found off St. Joe State Park, while red tide was found in very low concentrations in Gulf County waters off Mexico Beach.
There was no red tide found in water samples taken from Franklin County.
Red Tide is a microscopic plant that occurs naturally in Florida waters and when conditions are good – will begin to multiple and create a bloom.
In large enough concentrations, red tide releases a neurotoxin that affect the transmission of nerve signals and can lead to several internal complications and possibly death for marine life.
Red tide can also cause skin irritation, rashes, and eye discomfort in humans.
