Red Tide Tests To Begin As Dead Dolphin Washes Up

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UPDATE (10-22-18): Testing for red tide in Volusia County has been delayed due to rough surf conditions today.  Volusia County Beach Safety is planning to try again tomorrow.

Earlier reporting below.

New Smyrna Beach, FL - Investigators are trying to figure out how a baby dolphin died after its carcass washed up on New Smyrna Beach this past weekend.

Volusia County Beach Safety found the dead dolphin around 8 o'clock this morning (October 21st) just north of Grayce Barck Community Park.

VCBS Captain Mike Berard says the dolphin was between 2 and 3 feet in length.

"The dolphin was located by our early crew and was found to be deceased," Berard added. "Hubbs Sea World was contacted to take possession of the dolphin."

While it's not clear how the dolphin died, lifeguards did say it doesn't look like red tide was a factor.

Volusia County hasn't had any confirmed red tide reports lately on the beach, but testing for that will begin Monday, according to Beach Safety officials.

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