Unfortunately for perhaps the year’s busiest weekend of water activities, the red tide plaguing Southwest Florida has not dissipated as earlier hoped. Effects are being observed from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor, according to Mote Marine, with dead fish and respiratory irritation reported from St. Petersburg to Venice.

The bloom appears to be maintaining its position along Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties. Moderate to high concentrations continue in Sarasota Bay, with warnings to avoid fish consumption from affected areas. The severity of conditions for the holiday weekend appear dependent on wind direction and intensity. Light winds and winds blowing offshore should minimize adverse effects, while strong onshore winds may put boating, fishing and beach festivities out of the question. For updates, check www.mote.org or www.redtideonline.com.