What’s in the water? Know before you jump in this 4th of July weekend

PINELLAS COUNTY – Before you head to the beach or get in a boat this holiday weekend, you need to know what’s in the water.

What area is red tide impacting most and where is a different type of algae bloom thriving?

According to Pinellas County officials most of the county’s coast has cleared up from red tide, but some beaches like Fort De Soto are still seeing some issues.

Brandi Stutzman and Jane Germany expected to enjoy a girl’s beach day but weren’t expecting what they saw.

“Red tide was pretty obvious as we drove in,” Germany said.

“We’ve seen some of the kids playing with the dead fish, throwing them along the beach,” Stutzman said.

Dead fish in Fort De Soto July 1st. Pics taken by WFLA’s Todd Davis.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, red tide is blooming in patches from Charlotte County up to Pasco County.

In Pinellas County, the Director of Public Works, Kelli Hammer Levy says Pass-A-Grille beach to Fred Howard Park is in good shape.