Red tide tests begin in Volusia County



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COUNTY OF VOLUSIA, FLA. – Red tide trials in Volusia County will begin Tuesday as toxic algal blooms continue to spread along the Florida coast.

County officials said that water samples would be taken from the beach access ramps on Hiles Boulevard, Crawford Road and Granada Boulevard. These samples will be sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for analysis and the agency will return the results in about two days.

Tests to detect the microorganism Karenia brevis, responsible for the red tide, were initially scheduled to start on Monday, but had to be postponed for a day due to difficult waves.

Captain Andrew Ethridge, Volusia County Security Captain, said Friday that the Red Tide was not present in the area, although authorities plan to continue monitoring the signs of toxic proliferation.

[Red tide: Everything you need to know about the outbreak in Florida]

On Sunday morning, rescuers found a dead dolphin stranded on the shore. The animal was taken to the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute to determine if the red tide or anything else is causing his death.

Although the onset of the Florida Red Tide is generally limited to the Gulf Coast, algae have appeared in Brevard, Indian River and other Atlantic Ocean counties in recent weeks.

[READ: Red tide could persist on Florida’s Atlantic, Gulf coasts]

Swimmers are advised to exercise caution in all areas affected by the red tide, as airborne toxins may cause sneezing, coughing and other respiratory symptoms, commonly referred to as "swallowing". tickling of the red tide ".

Click here to see FWC's dedicated web page to monitor the state of the Red Tide and illustrate the areas of Sunshine State that have been hit the hardest. You can also visit ClickOrlando.com/Water to find out more about the problems in Florida's waterways and how you can help.

Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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