Red tide is making its way up the east coast of Florida, now detected in St. Lucie County.
Tests detected low concentrations of red tide at Waveland Beach and Dollman Park Beach in southern St. Lucie County.
In our area, red tide was first detected in Palm Beach County after beachgoers reported respiratory issues at the beach.
Then, tests showed red tide in Martin County before being detected in St. Lucie County.
Beachgoers at Waveland Park are not too worried about it, for now.
Madeline and Richard Rodeheaver visit Waveland Beach about one night per week.
“We just like this area. The waves are nice,” Madeline said.
They’ve heard about red tide on the west coast of the state and in counties to the south. They were surprised to hear it has made its way to their county.
“It’s distressing. It is. I mean, I just love coming out here and listening to the waves,” Madeline said.
“It’s been happening a long time, it’s a natural thing, just hope it doesn’t last long and go back to not worrying about it,” Richard said.
Tests conducted north of Waveland and Dollman Park beaches did not detect red tide.