The Space Coast has been hit by red tide this week, after having bloomed for over a year in Southwest Florida.

Tests confirm red tide is in Brevard beaches. Here's where:

Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic and just south of Sebastian Inlet

More:Satellite Beach tests high for red tide

More:Red tide creeps up to Melbourne Beach, Indialantic

Will red tide spread north to Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral? Some people have complained of itchy throats:

Biologists say if not already there, it’s likely to ride currents and winds there.

What can residents expect from the red tide?

Respiratory irritation and dead fish on the beach.

How will red tide affect our wildlife?

When it reaches high enough concentrations, the algae kills fish. It also can sicken and kill manatees and dolphins, as well as other marine life.

Will beaches be closed?

No, but Brevard County is putting up hundreds of red tide warning signs that include information about the algae.

More info from Don Walker, communications director for Brevard: "The county is responding to confirmed red tide along our shoreline. Water tests taken Tuesday (Oct. 16) confirmed the presence of varying levels of red tide algae, with the highest concentration off Satellite Beach and mid-levels of concentration near Cocoa and Melbourne Beach. Additional testing will be taken in the days ahead and for as long as needed while we are experiencing this naturally occurring condition, which is known to pose health risks ranging from minor eye, nose and throat irritation to more serious issues for people who suffer chronic respiratory illnesses.

More:Red tide guide to symptoms and health risks

More: Can red tide kill manatees, dolphins, sea turtles?

More:Tests confirm red tide on Brevard County beaches

As of Thursday morning, working together with Tourism, Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources, Ocean Rescue ordered 300 signs to warn beachgoers of red tide conditions. They will begin as soon as possible posting those signs at areas where testing indicated red tide presence, and at their lifeguard stations. Parks and Recreation will also be posting signs at their parks. Our Natural Resources Management Office will be coordinating with cities to get them signs as needed. Additionally, our tourism office will work with beachside hotels to get signs to them.

We are focusing on a public outreach campaign to generate awareness of red tide. That includes posting information on all county Facebook and Twitter sites, press releases and news media interviews. We will be posting information our departments have generated, and will also be sharing information related to red tide that’s posted by the Florida Health Department, Tourism Development Council and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission."

How are Brevard schools responding to the red tide?

According to Matt Reed, public information officer for Brevard Public Schools: "As red tide blooms are patchy, some areas of Brevard’s coast will be impacted more than others. As we are notified of impacted areas, Brevard Public School’s environmental health and safety office will work with the impacted schools’ principals to limit outside activities and temporarily close outside air ventilation if the problem becomes noticeable indoors. We are also sharing with staff and families information about respiratory symptoms and recommended precautions from the Florida Department of Health."

What's next?

Officials will keep testing the ocean water and are posting daily updates at myfwc.com/redtidestatus. Some cities and nonprofit groups may conduct beach cleanups of dead fish, if needed.

Check back for updates.

Waymer is environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Waymer at 321-242-3663

or jwaymer@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @jwayenviro

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