FDOH warns of red tide at Sanibel beach Sanibel, Fla. – The Florida Department if Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for Lighthouse Beach Park in Sanibel. Officials released the alert Tuesday after a red tide bloom was spotted near the shores of the popular beach. FDOH said symptoms of red tide blooms can be mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation similar to a cold or could be more severe for people living with asthma and other respiratory problems. The symptoms of red tide usually disappear when beach visitors leave the area, FDOH said.