Periodically. similar happend in the FL Keys when I lived there form '91 to '02:

"Red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon and develops due to a high concentration of microscopic algae (Karenia brevis), which are plant-like organisms. Red tide has been documented along Gulf of Mexico coastal areas and in the Gulf of Mexico since the 1800s. In Florida, it was officially recorded in 1844."

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Red tide stretches from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys: what ...
Red tide, a natural phenomenon caused by the algae Karenia brevis, has been observed in the Florida Keys for many years, particularly during the late summer and early fall months. While red tide occurs annually, the severity varies, with some years experiencing super blooms. For example, a super bloom lasted from September 2017 to January 2019. Other years with notable red tide occurrences include 2005-06, 1994-96, and 2018.
Specific Years with Red Tide in the Florida Keys:
2018:
A significant red tide bloom impacted the Florida Keys, particularly in the Sarasota and Manatee areas.
2017-2019:
A super bloom persisted for an extended period, from September 2017 to January 2019.
2005-2006:
A super bloom that began in 2005 was one of the worst in Florida's history.
1994-1996:
A two-year super bloom occurred, extending from Pinellas County nearly to Key West.
1844:
The first scientifically documented red tide episode in U.S. waters occurred in the Gulf, near Panama City.
1878:
A protracted period of red tide episodes began, lasting for 10 years.
1884:
The first incident of human sickness from red-tide-infected shellfish was recorded in Florida.
Factors Affecting Red Tide Severity:
Super blooms:
These occur roughly every 10 years and are characterized by intense and prolonged blooms.
Warm water and nutrients:
Red tide organisms thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters, which can be influenced by factors like hurricanes.
Winds and currents:
These can transport the algae, causing them to spread and affect different areas.
Cold spells:
Cold spells can cause blooms to move farther south and stay offshore.
Impact of Red Tide:
Respiratory irritation: Red tide can cause eye and respiratory irritation in humans.
Fish mortality: Large-scale red tide events can result in significant fish deaths.
Economic losses: Red tide can impact tourism, shellfish harvesting, and other coastal industries.
Red Tide FAQ - FWC
Red tides most often form in late summer and early fall and persist through winter to spring; see our table Over 100 years of Red ...
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
HISTORIC PHOTOS: A history of red tide in Florida
Aug 14, 2018 " 2016: A status map of red tide from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows serious outbreaks in t...

Panama City News Herald

The Basics of Florida Red Tide
Nov 25, 2019 " Red tide trends About every 10 years or so, we experience a super bloom. Scientists are not exactly sure what causes t...

PERSONAL NOTE: Experienced Red Tide a few times when working at Bahia Honda State Park, FL Keys back in the '90s. No an uncommon event.

" Red tide blooms in the Florida Keys during the 1990s were most notable in 1994 and 1996. In 1994, a two-year bloom began, and in 1996, red tide returned after a brief respite and extended from Pinellas County nearly to Key West, according to a red-tide timeline. Additionally, 1998 marked the first year of an unbroken run of annual red-tide episodes that continues to this day, according to the red-tide timeline."