ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tampa Bay area residents hoping to get in some beach time might want to check the status of the water before they head out.

The red tide bloom that has caused concerns in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties for the past few weeks is now making itself known in southern Pinellas. Residents have reported spotting dead fish along shore in areas such as Pass-A-Grille, near the Sunshine Skyway and Boca Ciega Bay, among other areas. Some respiratory irritation has also been noted. In its Dec. 4, Red Tide Status Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission noted medium to high concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties.

Red tide is an algae that occurs naturally in the Gulf that can cause respiratory irritations when it accumulates in large amounts. Toxins in red tide can "enter the air and cause respiratory irritation among beachgoers, such as coughing, sneezing or a scratchy throat," the Mote Marine Laboratory explains on its website. Mote scientists conduct year-round monitoring of Bay area waters. Beachgoers with respiratory conditions, such as emphysema and asthma, may be more susceptible to red tide irritants. FWC recommends these public health tips when red tide is present: