Portuguese Man-of-War Invade North Florida Beaches

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida – Portuguese Man-of-War are washing up on North Florida beaches in St. Johns County this week, according to St. Johns County Marine Rescue.

“Due to its sightings, a purple beach warning flag is up to warn about the presence of dangerous marine life at the beach,” St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office posted on X.

Portuguese Man-of-War aren’t jellyfish but a colony of small organisms called Siphonophorae.

The Portuguese Man-of-War can be identified from other types of jellyfish in Florida by its translucent blue, pink, green or purple gas-filled air sac which helps the sea creature travel long distances across the ocean by acting as a wind-driven sail.

A violet-colored stinging tentacle cluster mass underneath the Portuguese Man-of-War’s air sac can have tentacles that extend up to thirty feet long.

Portuguese Man-of-War Sting Remedy

Rinse the area of a Portuguese Man-of-War’s sting with vinegar.

Do not use fresh water, as it can trigger stingers to release more venom into the victim.

If tentacles remain stuck to the skin, remove them quickly with tweezers, or use a gloved hand, towel, or the dull edge of a plastic card if tweezers aren’t available.

Most Portuguese Man-of-War stings, though intensely painful, are minor and subside within minutes.

For severe reactions — such as fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, scratchy throat, or hives away from the sting site—call 911 and contact a lifeguard immediately.

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