Current Beach Conditions
Planning a visit? What you need to know.
A red tide bloom in the Gulf of Mexico is affecting some beach conditions throughout our destination. Because we're blessed with 35 miles of white sandy shores, the effects can vary depending on which beach community you're enjoying and it can change for the better quickly, too. Red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon and has been documented along Florida's Gulf Coast since the 1840s. It typically forms offshore and affects our coast from on-shore winds.
Current beach conditions | (listed from north to south)
Beach conditions have been dramatically improving, so we'll be updating this page on Monday, Wednesday and Friday rather than daily. We recommend checking this list around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on those days as that's when it's usually updated. Remember, conditions vary by beach and by time of day. Given the ongoing conditions, Fort De Soto Park's $5 fee has been waived.
- Fred Howard Park (updated 3:09 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions | hasn't experienced any effects from Red Tide during this episode
- Honeymoon Island State Park (updated 4:30 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Caladesi Island State Park (updated 8:06 a.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 (updated 2:52 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Sand Key (updated 3:09 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Belleair Beach, 3rd Ave. (updated 2:15.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Belleair Shores, 19th St. Beach Access (updated 2:30 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- Indian Shores, 19418 Gulf Blvd. (updated 3:30 p.m. 9-24)
- Slightly discolored water
- No odor
- No respiration irritation
- Indian Rocks Beach, 15th Ave. (updated 3 p.m. 9-24)
- Normal conditions
- North Redington Beach, near La Contessa Pier (updated 3 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Strong odor
- Strong respiration irritation
- Redington Beach, 15812 Gulf Blvd. (updated 2:29 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Strong odor
- Strong respiration irritation
- Redington Shores, 18200 Gulf Blvd (updated 3:15 p.m. 9-24)
- Slightly discolored water
- No odor
- No respiration irritation
- Madeira Beach, 15208 Gulf Blvd (updated 2:17 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Strong odor
- Strong respiration irritation
- Treasure Island, South of john's Pass Bridge (updated 2:33 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Slight odor
- No respiration irritation
- St. Pete Beach, 70th Ave. (updated 2:30 p.m. 9-24)
- Clear water
- No odor
- Slight respiration irritation
- Pass-A-Grille, 1st Ave. (updated 2:34 p.m. 9-24)
- Clear water
- Slight odor
- No respiration irritation
- Fort De Soto Park Bay side (updated 3:22 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Mild odor
- Mild respiration irritation
- Fort De Soto Park Gulf side (updated 3:36 p.m. 9-24)
- Dark water
- Strong odor
- Strong respiration irritation
Current Beach Cams
Check out our live beach cams to see current conditions yourself.
What is red tide?
Red tide is a common name for a naturally occurring worldwide phenomenon known as an algal bloom. It has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840's and typically forms offshore and affects our coast from on-shore winds. When it blooms, it can cause human respiratory problems and kill marine life. Higher concentrations of red tide can also affect humans, causing both skin irritation and irritation to the respiratory system.
Currently, red tides can’t be predicted, but researchers are investigating the possibility. The effects of a red tide (e.g., dead fish and respiratory irritation in people) depend on the location and concentration of the red tide microorganism at a given time. The effects also depend on wind speed and direction. It is important to realize that many people still enjoy the beaches during red tides. Respiratory irritation and dead fish are not always present. Swimming is safe for most people. However, red tide can cause some people to suffer from skin irritation and burning eyes. Use common sense. If you are particularly susceptible to irritation from plant products, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out of the water and thoroughly wash.
Have further questions? Here are some additional resources.
Daily water testing samples from around Pinellas County
Current beach conditions from MOTE Marine Laboratory
