Pollution and reverse storm surge from Hurricane Ian mean red tide could be looming

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Oct 14, 2022

Hurricane Ian caused so much pollution along Florida’s southwest coast that it can be seen from space.

Not so long ago, Floridians were dealing with a two-year red tide after Hurricane Irma. Mounds of dead fish lined beaches in West Florida and many bathers were prevented from entering harmful waters.

Red tide is a harmful algal bloom that produces toxins that kill fish, shellfish, birds and mammals. Experts are sounding the alarm that a red tide could be looming after all the pollution caused by Hurricane Ian.

In addition to pollution, the reverse storm surge that occurred in Tampa Bay could be another initiator of a red tide. When the storm surge cleared the bay, upwelling could have occurred causing deeper, colder nutrient water to rise to the surface. It essentially turns the water over, killing the fish and animals in it.

If you want to help the victims of Hurricane Ian, local businesses are collecting items for survivors. North Rapid Response is a new medical disaster response team in Charlotte. The group works with the following StarMed Healthcare, StellarMed and Keith Clinic sites:

StarMed Family and Urgent Care, FreeMore Clinic, 4001 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte
StarMed Family & Urgent Care, Eastland Clinic, 5344 Central Avenue, Charlotte

StellarMed Emergency Care and Occupational Medicine, 4355 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville, NC
Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic in Charlotte: West office at 4016 Triangle Drive, South office at 7001-A South Boulevard, North office at 402 East Sugar Creek Road, East office at 5344 Central Avenue

You can drop off water, non-perishable food, towels and personal hygiene products in these businesses. Click here for more informationincluding the times you can drop off your items and details of donations accepted.

(WATCH BELOW: Buyer beware: watch out for vehicles damaged by Hurricane Ian)