PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. -- The toxic algae bloom has officially hit Pinellas County.

Beachgoers are starting to see thousands of dead fish wash up on shore from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach. And along with the dead fish, comes the smell.

On Saturday, people were finding dead fish and eels along St. Pete Beach. 

"There's still lots of dead fish and different fish like eels that you normally wouldn't see washed up on the sore. Walking bat fish that I've never seen before that actually have feet on them. So we saw these rare specimens," Shelley Vickery said. 

Vickery is the Director of Birds in Helping Hands. The organization has been monitoring red tide levels and are checking to see if any birds are showing signs of being sick from the bloom. Luckily, she hasn't found any yet. 

Some beachgoers chose to stay along the shores for the day, but others left after seeing the dead fish. 

"We can't enjoy swimming with dead fish," Spring Hill resident Barbara Buck said. 

Pinellas County Environmental Officials have taken water samples at multiple sites for red tide. Here are the results:

  • Pass-A-Grille Beach: Very low
  • Madeira Beach: High
  • John's Pass: Medium
  • Park Blvd. Boat Ramp: Not present
  • Clearwater Pass: Medium

If you see a fish kill, you are asked to report it to FWC or Pinellas County. 

Vickery also says it's important to report any birds that appear to be sick from the red tide so they can be brought in for rehabilitation immediately. 

“Looking for birds that are down on the ground, unable to get up. They’re somewhat paralyzed," said Vickery.

To report a sick bird, go to Birds in Helping Hands or FWC. 

To check beach conditions, click here.