Florida waters continue to be hit with red tide. Millions added to combat blooms

Red tide blooms have hit Southwest Florida hard in recent weeks.

The toxic algae causes fish kills, respiratory issues and contributes to several dozen manatee deaths each year.

That’s why U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, says he sponsored legislation that will add $8 million to combat the blooms.

Buchanan’s measure was passed by Congress as part of a government funding bill.