Originally published in the News-Press by Chad Gillis on February 5, 2025

The bloom has at times stretches from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys.

“Over 20 million a cells per liter off Sanibel, and that’s the high kill-zone level,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani. “That was a couple of days ago and the last aerial pictures I saw, it seems like it went south and is back north again.”

A pilot flying on behalf of the Calusa Waterkeeper took photos recently and posted them on Facebook.

The images show copper-stained waters in the Gulf and massive patches of toxic water.

“It’s increasing in frequency and duration and strength over time,” Cassani said.

Original Story