Red tide threatens businesses recovering from hurricanes [Video]

The harmful algal bloom has been detected in background to medium levels up and down the Tampa Bay coast, impacting nearly all Sarasota County beaches.

NOKOMIS, Fla. — Florida health officials are urging caution along the Tampa Bay coast, including nearly every Sarasota county beach, after detecting mild to medium levels of red tide.

It’s the harmful algal bloom that can kill fish and cause respiratory illnesses in people.

Local health officials have issued an alert for people to use caution at nearly every beach in the county, including Lido Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, the Venice Fishing Pier, the Ringling Causeway, Brohard Park Beach, and Manasota Key Beach.

It’s stressful news for businesses still recovering from the impacts of two hurricanes.

Pelican Alley, a Nokomis Beach staple, has been working non-stop to rebuild since hurricanes Helene and Milton flooded their restaurant.

Tommy Adorna, …