A toxic algae bloom known as red tide usually hits Florida's Gulf Coast in the summer, but this year it has come during spring break, a time when thousands of Americans flock to the Sunshine State, and the outbreak bodes ill for its tourism sector. Red tide emits a toxin that significantly impacts all living organisms and can lead to foul-smelling fish kills, yet it is a naturally occurring phenomena, says Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. While it is vital to clean up land-based sources of nutrients that help red tide flourish, says Crosby, "Doing that is not going to stop a red tide." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES