Florida beaches hit with deadly red tide

The red tide courses through the waters.

Several Florida beaches have been impacted by deadly red tide since February, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The ongoing tide is a bacteria that has killed many marine life and discouraged beachgoers from visiting. Many people who stay at the beach risk symptoms such as itchy throats and coughs.

“As someone who has been to Florida for vacation over the years, one thing we noticed right away is that it doesn’t make it very pleasant,” said tourist Mark Young. “It almost makes you want to turn around and go back because you are coughing. For us, it’s affecting our sinuses and stuff like that.”

The bacteria were found in 56 samples in southwest Florida counties with ranges of low to high concentrations, according to the FWC. Many dead fishes were found along the shores because of the toxins that affected the nervous systems.

Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

People are highly advised to stay away from the water and to call 866-300-9399 or visit the Red Tide Hotline for any additional information.

Tampa Bay Rays Radio’s Dave Wills passes away

Radio personality Dave Wills died Sunday morning in his sleep at his Tampa home.

Wills was Tampa Bay Rays radio announcer for 18 years and even reported many games such as the World Series in 2008 and 2020. He was 58 years old and left behind a wife and two kids. The Tampa Rays held a moment of silence for Wills before Sunday’s game, according to Tampa Bay Times.

Credits

Anchor: Emmy McCarthy
Producer: Samantha Trezevant
Reporters: Emily Ward, Bailey Wegenast, Anna Ostraya, Ashleigh Yuhas, Emmy McCarthy, Matt Narváez
Teleprompter: Bailey Wegenast
Graphics: Tahani Muhammad
Video Editor: Antonio Delucca
Cameras: Anna Ostraya
Web Editor: Juron Traill
Web Managing Editor: Shae Knowles, Hannah Halili
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Wayne Garcia