DeSantis urged to declare emergency over toxic red tide algae off Florida coast

<p>Harmful algae bloom off south-west coast blamed for deaths of marine life and poses threat to beaches</p><p>Environmentalists in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/florida">Florida</a> are calling on the governor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>, to declare an emergency as a worsening “red tide” algae bloom off the state’s south-west coast <a href="https://www.fox4now.com/fort-myers-beach/heads-up-red-tide-is-starting-to-impact-some-of-our-favorite-beaches">threatens</a> popular tourist beaches and is being blamed for the deaths of wildlife including fish and dolphins.</p><p>Several counties have issued health alerts in response to the outbreak, which scientists say began in the Gulf of Mexico last year when Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore up nutrient-rich waters that feed the algae.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/florida-red-tide-ron-desantis">Continue reading...</a>