Red tide found off Fla. coast

The presence of red tide has been identified off Florida’s Atlantic coast after beachgoers complained of breathing issues, officials said.

The state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it found “low to medium concentrations of naturally-occurring red tide” off beaches near Palm Beach County.

“The concentrations observed in this isolated area are lower than the high concentrations observed on the Gulf coast,” it said, noting it will now “enhance monitoring and testing.”

Red tide occurs when algae colonies overgrow, creating a red hue.

Overabundance of algae can have negative effects on human, fish and other creatures near the water, including making it harder to breath and making affected seafood dangerous to consume.