Q: Where can you find most up-to-date information on location and duration of red tide? Although most Internet pages tell you what it is, none seem to be very current about where the red tide is actually happening.

A: That's a great question, and a good one to add to the Florida Travel Q&A archives. I think the best source for red tide information in Florida is the Florida Marine Research Institute, an arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The FMRI page on red tide gives you a quick glance at any red tide activity in Florida's various sections, as well as PDF files and a map of the state to give you a visual. Hotline numbers are there, too, along with the names of actual people you can contact with questions.

Red tide is an infestation of single-celled microalgae in the water that can turn the water's color to red. It can kill thousands of fish and other sea life.

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