MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Manatee County has so far dealt with the worst of red tide.

The situation is improving, but it has taken a bite out of business.

Manatee Beach this weekend is looking substantially better than it has the last couple of weeks, however, and people were making their way out to the beach Sunday.

The water is still a murky brown color. And while the smell isn't overpowering, that red tide tickle feeling you get in your throat is still sticking around.

The latest report from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows concentrations of the organism that causes red tide are 25 percent lower here than they were last week.

And a spokesperson for the county says while 260 tons of dead fish have already been pulled from the coast of Manatee County, crews are starting to see less and less each day.

That doesn't mean the bloom is over, but county leaders are cautiously optimistic.

"We are overall seeing a lessening of the amount, and we're still remaining very cautious about that, to make sure that we're ready to respond if it does kick back up," said Manatee County Volunteer Manager Melissa Nell.

Resorts and hotels on Anna Maria are struggling, with more cancellations than they have rooms booked.

Restaurants on the island are counting on the locals to come out, but many say it's been slow for them.