TAMPA, Fla. — A Red Tide bloom off the coast near Sarasota County is killing thousands of fish, and they’re washing up on beaches in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Red Tide was found in the area in Manatee and Sarasota counties ranging from low to high amounts, leaving reports of dead fish and respiratory issues. Scientists say the runoff after Hurricane Ian is likely making it worse.

Larry Davis, a commercial fisherman for decades, says he and his friends experienced some of the worst of red tide recently with breathing problems.

“Everyone was coughing and joking and my friends that were on the boat with me we had to turn around inland to get away from it,” Davis said. “There will be thousands of them — they look like popcorn on the water and it’s all belly of fish floating.”

Davis, who’s lived on his boat Parrot Marina in Bradenton for the past 7 years, fishes for swordfish tuna part-time. 

Davis says he knows how red tide affects business. “Thousands of thousands of people will be out of work because of the red tide.”

Davis says he’s contacted the governor’s office and other agencies asking about any clean-up plans. “I’m just trying to get some action as far as treating this stuff.”

When Larry docks his boat at the marina, he’s hopeful a solution comes soon. “I’d like them to treat it the first sign of a bloom out in the water,” he said.

Constantly being surrounded by water, he says he’s always thinking about keeping the sea life safe and fishermen working.

City and county officials say they are monitoring the shorelines for emergency clean-up operations.

The long-term health effects of red tide are still being studied, but health officials say people who have asthma or other respiratory problems might want to avoid going to beaches where ride tide is occurring right now.