Red Tide Alert Issued as Dead Fish Wash Up on Fort Myers Beach

On Feb. 10, 2025, Fort Myers Beach faced a problem when Lee County health officials put out a Red Tide warning. The alert came after thousands of dead fish showed up near Lovers Key State Park.

The dead fish included large hammerhead and bonnethead sharks. Local resident David Unfried, who fishes every day, spotted dead fish starting to appear several days before officials raised the alarm.

People are told not to swim in affected waters. The toxic bloom can cause eye irritation and constant coughing and is especially dangerous for people with breathing problems.

"Eyes watering when it's really bad, or there's cough, people start coughing. It's affecting people's health too," said Unfried to Fox 4 News.

Alerts were also issued for Bonita Beach and the Sanibel Causeway. Tests show high levels of bacteria in the water near the shore.

People living nearby should keep their windows closed and use the air conditioner to minimize exposure to the algal toxins. Anyone visiting the beach needs to keep their pets from eating dead fish on the shore.

While state workers handle public beaches, private areas like Lovers Key Beach Club depend on residents to clean their own beaches.