MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Beachgoers in Manatee County are starting to breathe a sigh of relief.

  • Red tide keeping people from Manatee County beaches
  • Hotels in the area are mostly vacant
  • Lower red tide levels recently reported

The latest test results from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show that concentrations of the organism that causes red tide are down about 25 percent in the county.

While the results are hopeful, experts say it doesn't mean red tide is over just yet.

The bloom first hit Anna Maria Island close to one month ago. On Saturday, the beaches were generally free from dead fish and the smell that comes with red tide. But despite the nice conditions, vacancy signs remained outside almost every hotel.

At the Island Time Inn on historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, manager Robin Forsythe says she only has two rooms booked for Saturday night. A strong contrast from last Labor Day weekend, when the hotel was full each night.

"We unfortunately are still having calls of people wanting to cancel for October," she said.

For now, Forsythe is remaining positive. She's also taking advantage of every opportunity to bring in money.

"I'm on call, so if anyone does call after hours I'll just go there. Anything it takes," she said.

On Saturday morning, about 80 volunteers helped clean dead fish and debris from the Palma Sola Causeway.