A Red Tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon along the gulf coast in Florida and results from the bloom of microscopic plant like cells called phytoplankton. These phytoplankton produce neurotoxins that can kill fish and cause respiratory and eye irritation along the shore. Periodic blooms can occasionally move close to beaches, but these are localized incidents and don't last long. The newspaper and TV weather forecasters include reports on red tide occurrences. Call the Collier County Red Tide hotline at: 239.732.2591