The Florida Healthy Beaches Program is responsible for monitoring beach water quality, for the latest information visit: Collier County Beach Water Quality Samples
Red Tide
The organism that typically causes red tide blooms (Harmful Algal Blooms) in Florida is Karenia brevis. Florida red tide blooms originate 11-45 miles offshore and may be carried by wind and currents to the coastal beaches. Blooms typically occur in the late summer or early fall and can last several months. They can cause eye and respiratory irritation to beach goers, and may kill fish, birds and marine mammals. The Florida Department of Health monitors red tide blooms.
The latest red tide conditions and more information can be found here:
Collier County Red Tide Update
Collier County Red Tide Updates are also available on the Red Tide Hotline at (239) 252-2591.
Report illnesses or symptoms by calling the Florida Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
Vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that is naturally occurring in warm brackish to salt waters. While rare, infection can occur through open wounds or cuts, or through ingestion of raw oysters. More information from the Department of Health can be found here: Vibrio vulnificus
Beach Renourishment
Beach renourishment is coordinated by Collier County. More information can be found here: Collier County Coastal Zone Management