Patchy red tide is forecast to remain high in the air and water around Anna Maria Island through at least Monday, Nov. 5, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The Nov. 2 report shows high concentrations of red tide in water samples collected on Oct. 29 in the Gulf of Mexico at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach and at Longboat Pass boat ramp in Sarasota Bay, with medium concentrations at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at School Key and Mead Point in lower Tampa Bay.
Red tide was not found in Gulf waters 40, 50 and 60 miles west of the Island on Oct. 25, but was found in high concentrations 9 miles out.
Respiratory irritation was reported Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 29-31 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Oct. 24-Nov. 1 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
The toxic algae bloom has been spreading in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for the past year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August. It was detected in Florida’s east coast waters in October.
Red tide is forecast to be high in the air and water around Anna Maria Island through at least Saturday, Nov. 3, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports today.
The Oct. 31 report shows high concentrations of red tide in water samples collected on Oct. 29 at Cortez Beach and Longboat Pass boat ramp, both in Bradenton Beach, with medium concentrations at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at Perico Island.
Water samples taken on Monday, Oct. 29 show high and medium levels of red tide around Anna Maria Island.
Gov. Rick Scott announced today that $765,000 will go toward funding additional FWC scientists and field and laboratory equipment to support efforts to mitigate the impacts of red tide, and that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has committed nearly $1.3 million in grant funding to Atlantic coast communities to support efforts to mitigate the impacts of red tide.
Respiratory irritation was reported Oct. 18-23 and Oct. 25 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Oct. 18, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 23-25 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
The toxic algae bloom has been spreading in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for the past year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August. It was detected in Florida’s east coast waters early this month.
High levels of red tide are back in the air and water around Anna Maria Island, and forecasters predict high levels will continue through Monday, Oct. 29, according to today’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report.
The red tide forecast through Monday, Oct. 29 is mostly high for Anna Maria Island. – University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
Between 5 percent and 25 percent more water samples showed medium or high levels of red tide than the previous week, according to the Oct. 26 report, which shows high concentrations of red tide in water samples collected on Oct. 22 at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, and medium concentrations at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria and Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.
Respiratory irritation was reported Oct. 18-23 and Oct. 25 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Oct. 18, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 23-25 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the previous week.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
The toxic algae bloom has been spreading in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for the past year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August. It was detected in Florida’s east coast waters early this month.
The red tide forecast predicts very low concentrations of the toxic algae in Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay waters at the north tip of Anna Maria Island, and low concentrations around the rest of the Island through at least Monday, Oct. 22, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
Hurricane Michael did not destroy the red tide bloom that showed up in local waters on Aug. 3, but local levels are staying low, according to an Oct. 19 FWC report.
The report shows low concentrations of red tide in water samples on Oct. 15 at Cortez Beach and Longboat Pass (Bradenton Beach), with very low concentrations at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and none at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Respiratory irritation was reported on Oct. 11, Oct. 13 and Oct. 17-18 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 16-18 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
No fish kills were reported in Manatee County from Oct. 12-19.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
The bloom has been spreading in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for the past year and was first detected in Florida’s east coast waters early this month.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s new tourism marketing campaign will run from November through the winter tourist season to counteract the loss of visitors during the red tide bloom that began locally in August.
The strategy is contrary to what Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Elliott Falcione had promised Anna Maria Island residents requesting relief from burgeoning tourism, he told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on Monday.
But with the recent loss of visitors, “I think it makes sense,” he said. “Then next year we will get back to normal.”
The impact of red tide on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key tourism has been significant, said the county’s tourism consultant, Walter Klages, of Research Data Services.
The number of visitors dropped from 48,700 in August 2017 to 42,000 this August.
“That’s a pretty significant impact and decrease,” he said.
Room nights decreased by 9.3 percent, economic impact dropped 11.4 percent and occupancy dropped 13.7 percent. The number of Floridians visiting the area was down nearly 23 percent in August, he said.
Tourism statistics are not yet available for September.
Red tide is a passing thing, Klages said, adding that visitors who have been to the area before will not be deterred from visiting again.
The county tourism agency no longer will respond to media requests to comment on the red tide, Falcione said.
“If you talk about economic loss, you create the perception in the market that we have a problem,” he said.
Monday’s red tide forecast from the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides is for low levels in Anna Maria Island waters and medium levels in Longboat Key waters through Wednesday, Oct. 17.
The cure
Local tourism marketers will use the new international digital marketing campaign to geotarget selected visitors, Falcione said.
People searching online for vacation destinations will find cures for these conditions in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, according to the county’s marketing agency, Aqua.
The cure for ailments like seeking a suntan, needing a break from work, or wanting more family time is a vacation prescribed by a “doctor” who details the symptoms of the ailments on three videos that soon will be available at the county’s tourism website.
The campaign will include a sweepstakes with prizes such as beach vacations.
The county’s previous marketing campaign was “Craft Your Own Vacation.”
Visit Florida helping red tide counties
Manatee County’s TDC is eligible for Visit Florida’s $500,000 Tourism Recovery Grant Program for Red Tide to assist counties affected by red tide, Visit Florida representative Jen Carlisle told the TDC.
Grant funds will assist the TDC with increasing visitation once red tide has subsided through advertising, direct mail, brochures, website development and other related projects.
Grant applications will be accepted until the red tide has subsided, she said.
Blue Community
“Red tide is a naturally-occurring phenomenon. Of that there is no doubt,” TDC member Ed Chiles said, adding that there also is no doubt about what feeds it.
Addressing environmental issues including harmful algal blooms like red tide and blue-green algae, shoreline restoration, seagrass, stormwater management, septic systems, sewage treatment and others is vital to tourism, he said.
“We ought to start pounding on the table,” Chiles said. “We’ve got to get with it.”
With that in mind, the TDC unanimously recommended that Manatee County commissioners use $25,000 in tourist tax funds to hold two training seminars on the Blue Community One Planet Living program at the Studio on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria this fall and winter.
The program will detail methods to increase tourism profits while protecting the environment, according to promoter Dave Randle of the University of South Florida.
“I think it is something that can differentiate ourselves,” Chiles said. “This is about Anna Maria Island being recognized internationally for what we’ve done,” such as Green Village on Pine Avenue.
In other business:
The TDC voted unanimously to recommend that Manatee County commissioners approve up to $5 million in tourist tax funds to improve drainage in the parking lot at Coquina Beach, a county park.
The project is estimated to cost $5.94 million, with other agencies contributing the difference. Bradenton Beach reduced permit fees for the project from $30,000 to $500.
Updated Oct. 16 – Hurricane Michael’s violent churning in the Gulf of Mexico could break up the red tide bloom that has affected Southwest Florida for the past year – or it could make it worse, scientists say.
The storm made landfall Wednesday, Oct. 10 in the Florida Panhandle, just shy of a Category 5 hurricane. As its tail brushed past Anna Maria Island on Wednesday, it caused minor local flooding, but whipped up Gulf surf, making the red tide airborne.
Short-term red tide outlook
Red tide continues to seriously impact Florida tourism businesses. It reached Anna Maria Island on Aug. 3, but coastal Gulf communities to the south began experiencing red tide a year ago this month, and the bloom now covers 150 miles of coastline.
While not unprecedented in its duration, this bloom is unusually persistent, according to NOAA forecasters, who predict that coastal communities are likely to continue to experience the effects of the ongoing bloom.
NOAA forecasts low levels of red tide on Gulf beaches in Manatee County through Oct. 17.
The size of the bloom changes constantly, and is patchy – not every beach is affected every day.
Until Michael passed by, hurricane storm winds were blowing offshore, pushing most of the water containing red tide farther out into the Gulf, said Dr. Richard Pierce, associate vice president for research and a senior scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.
However, as the hurricane traveled north past Anna Maria Island, its winds changed direction, bringing the red tide back onshore on west/southwesterly winds, he said.
Scientists are still collecting air and water samples from the storm, so it’s too early to reach any conclusions, nor can researchers tell if past hurricanes helped or hindered past red tides, because there has not been enough continuous monitoring, he said.
“But there have been times when a hurricane came and dispersed red tide so it didn’t come back,” he said, adding that other times, storms concentrated nutrients near the shore, which makes red tide worse.
“We can’t really predict it. Every situation is different,” Pierce said.
Past hurricanes have not caused red tide blooms to dissipate, although the research is incomplete because the number of cases where blooms and hurricanes occurred at the same time is small, said Jerry Slaff, Public Affairs Specialist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), noting, “We will be watching to see what effects Hurricane Michael has on the current bloom.”
Island beaches were sunny but sparsely populated the day after Hurricane Michael. – Cindy Lane | Sun
Scientists agree that hurricanes can move red tide around. The 2005-06 red tide bloom off the coast of southwest Florida was carried up to the Florida Panhandle by Hurricane Katrina, according to NOAA, and the current bloom intensified and spread to the Florida Panhandle after Tropical Storm Gordon in September 2018.
What Michael did to the beach
“(Anna Maria Island) beaches fared very well with this storm overall, especially along the beaches from mid-Island to the north end. The waves certainly overtopped all of the sandy beaches but after the storm passed, wave action had the effect of leveling out the beaches on a gentle slope down to the waterline. Many low-profile dunes were overtopped as well, with a minor loss of sea oats, but overall conditions recovered well. At Coquina Beach on the south end, noticeable erosion occurred, almost to be expected as this stretch is one of our most active erodible beaches on the entire Island. We are working with FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers to bring back a major beach renourishment project to the Island in the spring of next year to rebalance sand losses encountered with Hurricane Hermine and Irma combined.” – Charlie Hunsicker, Director of the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department
Red tide worse locally after Michael
As the lifeguards in Bradenton Beach got ready to begin their day Thursday, there was hope that the high winds and surf would disperse the red tide.
But as midday approached on Coquina Beach, those hopes were dashed.
William and Rita Postino of Bradenton were two of the few people on the beach around 9 a.m. on Thursday.
“I collect shells and we come out here two or three times per week,” said Rita Postino. “There are more people here than yesterday watching the waves.”
William and Rita Postino – Tom Vaught | Sun
She said the red tide was not as noticeable as the water rose at high tide and covered a lot of beach.
Thursday there were few dead fish on the beach.
Mark and Kathy Biscontine – Tom Vaught | Sun
At the Coquina Beach Café, Mark and Kathy Biscontine of Bradenton said the water covered the old groins that normally were buried by sand. They said surfers were out and they came close to the groins because they were not visible from the water.
Lifeguard Chelsea Hart guided a utility vehicle down the beach around 10:30 a.m. There were a few more people on the beach, but the irritation and smell of red tide were increasing. She said they use masks when it gets too bad. An Army veteran, she was a lifeguard in Volusia County on Florida’s East Coast before coming to Manatee County to work the beaches five years ago.
Bradenton Beach groins – Tom Vaught | Sun
“The beach has a little deeper slope to it, but I don’t think too much sand washed away yesterday,” she said. “There were some pretty intense waves yesterday.”
Hart said conditions were a “double red” Wednesday, meaning nobody was allowed in the water.
Chelsea Hart – Tom Vaught | Sun
For the people who are on the beach to save lives, the red tide outbreak has been especially rough.
Red tide: What scientists know
Florida red tide (Karenia brevis), a type of harmful algal bloom, is the result of uncontrolled algae growth in optimal conditions, including salinity, sunlight and nutrients such as nitrogen and iron, the latter carried on winds from the Sahara desert across the ocean and deposited in the Gulf.
Blooms produce neurotoxins called “brevetoxins” in the water, turning the Gulf’s light greenish-blue water to dark reddish-brown, killing fish, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and even a whale shark earlier this year.
The darker water reduces the amount of sunlight that passes through it, affecting organisms on the sea floor that need sunlight to live, according to research at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg. The algae also can deplete oxygen in the water.
Red tide toxins in the water can become airborne with wind and wave action, causing respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma, emphysema, COPD or other chronic respiratory diseases. Red tide toxins affect the nervous system, and when inhaled, they cause respiratory irritation including coughing, sneezing and a scratchy throat, and can trigger asthma attacks.
Red tide toxins also can accumulate in oysters and clams, which can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish.
Seafoam during a red tide is highly concentrated in toxins and should not be touched.
Today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shows that red tide decreased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the past week.
Forecasters at the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides predict medium to high concentrations of red tide in Island waters through at least Oct. 8.
The Oct. 5 report shows that Manatee County red tide levels are from 5 percent to 25 percent lower than last week. Low concentrations were found in water samples on Oct. 1 at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Medium concentrations were found on Oct. 1 at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach, with none at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Respiratory irritation was reported on Sept. 26 and from Sept. 30 through Oct. 4 at
Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and on Sept. 26, from Sept. 28-30 and on Oct. 2 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
Red tide caused Manatee County to lose 17.5 percent in economic activity in August, according to a report by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
The number translates to a reduction of nearly $4.4 million in direct visitor spending and a $6.9 million economic impact deficit, according to the report.
More than 79 percent of vacation rental property owners interviewed reported that their reservations for the next three months have decreased compared to this time last year, and that September business continues to be impacted by red tide.
The report also describes in detail how visitors in major feeder markets perceive red tide in Manatee County, based on media coverage of the bloom in their locations.
U.S. market
From June 1 to Sept. 14, about 1,200 stories were published related to red tide and Manatee County, the report states, with most coverage in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market (289 mentions) and more than 70 national media mentions.
Coverage peaked on Aug. 13 following the publication of an Associated Press article headlined “Devastating toxic algae bloom plagues Florida’s Gulf Coast,” according to the report, which notes other major media reporting on the bloom, including CNN, The New York Times, ABC News, The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.
By Sept. 1, media interest in red tide had waned significantly. Since then, roughly 100 mentions have been tallied, with about 75 percent running in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market, according to the report. Only four national stories ran from Sept. 1-14.
The decrease in stories since Sept. 1 suggests that visitors perceive that red tide has receded, and affected areas are by and large “back to normal,” according to the report.
“Provided conditions remain the same or improve, little red tide coverage is expected, though ‘Coast is Clear’ initiatives and messaging in the upcoming months will aid in efforts to steer this conversation,” the report states.
United Kingdom market
The red tide on the west coast of Florida hit the UK news mostly during August, the report states. The impact on marine life and beach conditions were the main issues covered, and it was widely reported that the algae is a naturally-occurring phenomenon.
During August, a small number of UK tour operators contacted the CVB for an update on red tide conditions, and some said that visitors were cancelling or changing their vacation dates, as the beach was a main factor in their holiday plans, according to the report.
From Sept. 4-14, the CVB noted no UK media coverage of red tide. “Unless the situation worsens, we don’t anticipate further coverage and we don’t anticipate it being a lasting memory in people’s minds,” the report states.
Central Europe market
The CVB’s German office asked Central European tour operators how the red tide on Florida’s Gulf coast influenced their clients’ travel to Florida.
Top tour operators that sell the Bradenton Area said they had a few customer complaints from guests in the destination who wanted to change their booking to a different location, but the majority said there was not a large negative impact on bookings, the report stated. Many said that they have more customers planning to visit the area compared to last year.
Visitors expressed more concerns about hurricane activity since last year’s Hurricane Irma, according to the report.
Renewed marketing
The CVB launched marketing promotions this week aimed at attracting couples to Manatee County.
“Relax & Connect” touts romantic beach accommodations, shopping, a spa visit and a gourmet meal on Anna Maria Island for a few days or a week.
“A great night for a date night” offers a romantic evening for two at Pier 22 in Bradenton, a sunset cruise with Kathleen D. Charters and a stop at The Doctor’s Office on Anna Maria Island for cocktails.
“Popping the question in paradise” suggests five locations as engagement destinations, from restaurants to preserves.
“Six ridiculously romantic places to say ‘I do’ ” sells six locations in the area as wedding destinations, from elegant to offbeat.
Today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shows that red tide decreased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the past week.
Forecasters predict medium to high concentrations of red tide in Island waters through at least Oct. 1.
The Sept. 28 report shows that Manatee County red tide levels are from 5 percent to 25 percent lower than the previous week. High concentrations were found in water samples on Sept. 24 at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Medium concentrations were found on Sept. 24 at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach, with none at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Respiratory irritation was reported from Sept. 20 and Sept. 22-26 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Sept. 20-21, Sept. 23 and Sept. 25-26 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
CITY ISLAND – Nearly $2.2 million in newly-allocated state funds will be used to develop weapons to fight red tide, not just study it, Mote Marine Laboratory CEO Dr. Michael Crosby announced today.
It’s the first initiative to do something other than monitor and research the Karenia brevis algae that causes red tide, Crosby said.
Red tide is an algae bloom that produces neurotoxins deadly to marine life and shorebirds. It also poisons shellfish and causes respiratory irritation in people. Florida has been under a state of emergency due to red tide since August, with the bloom affecting tourism and residents along the southwest coast of Florida from Englewood to St. Petersburg, beginning last fall.
The new funds will be used to test and launch new weapons against red tide, including clay and ozone, Crosby said.
Mote will work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the University of South Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to conduct new field tests of an improved clay technology focused on killing red tide, different from previous, unsuccessful clay experiments, he said.
Laboratory tests on clay will begin within days, and small field experiments will begin in about six weeks, FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton said, explaining that the results of the experiments will dictate when and if it can be used on a large-scale basis.
Mote already is testing ozone in canals in Boca Grande where it is successfully removing the Karenia brevis algae that causes red tide. Red tide water is pumped into an ozone conductor, where the ozone kills the red tide and re-oxygenates the water without releasing ozone into the environment, according to Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Richard Pierce.
“One thing we have to be careful of is to do no harm,” Crosby said, explaining that many things kill red tide, but also kill marine life. When red tide dies, it releases any remaining toxin it holds, he said, adding, “We don’t want to make matters worse.”
One day, Crosby said, “We should be able to forecast red tide events the same way we forecast hurricanes.” While hurricane forecasts focus on physical forces, red tide forecasting also includes chemical and biological factors, making it more complex, he said.
Nutrients worsen red tide
Red tide has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1500s. While its causes are natural, Crosby said that nutrients can affect its duration and intensity.
“As much as we all would like to be able to point our finger at one or two or three particular things, red tide is just not that simple,” he said.
Coastal waters are naturally nutrient-rich whether there are human beings living there or not, Crosby said.
However, “each and every one of us every day in our life is contributing to nutrients flowing from the terrestrial environmental into the coastal environment,” he said. “Each of us can decrease the amount of nutrients in our own yards, planting more native vegetation. Each and every one of us does have a role to play in this.”
Today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shows that red tide increased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the week ending Friday, Sept. 21.
Forecasters predict medium concentrations of red tide on the north end of the Island and high concentrations on the rest of the Island through at least Monday, Sept. 24.
Anna Maria Island is predicted to have high or medium levels of red tide through at least Monday.
The Sept. 21 report shows that Manatee County red tide levels are from 5 percent to 25 percent higher than the previous week. High concentrations were found in water samples on Sept. 17 at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach. Medium concentrations were found on that date at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.
Manatee red tide death toll climbs
At least 149 manatees have died during the red tide bloom that has plagued Southwest Florida since October 2017, and which reached Anna Maria Island on Aug. 3.
To date, 56 dead manatees tested positive for red tide, and red tide is suspected in 93 manatee deaths, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Nine manatee deaths have been recorded in Manatee County so far this year, six in Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay; none are confirmed from red tide.
So far this year, 638 manatees have died in state waters, compared to 538 in all of 2017.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration, which was reported on Sept. 14.
Respiratory irritation was reported from Sept. 14-19 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and from Sept. 13-20 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
The last officially reported fish kill in Manatee County was on Sept. 14 on the Manatee River at Bishop’s Point.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
Red tide increased in waters off Anna Maria Island during the week ending Sept. 14, according to the latest report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and forecasters predict high concentrations through at least Sept. 18.
While the Sept. 14 report shows that overall Manatee County red tide levels were from 5 percent to 25 percent lower than the previous week, high concentrations of red tide were found in water samples taken at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both in Bradenton Beach. Low concentrations were found at the Palma Sola Bay bridge. Samples in all those locations showed higher red tide concentrations than the previous week.
University of South Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Submitted
At least 140 manatees have died during the red tide bloom that has plagued Southwest Florida since October 2017, and which reached Anna Maria Island on Aug. 3.
To date, 47 dead manatees tested positive for red tide, and red tide is suspected in 93 manatee deaths, according to the FWC.
Six manatee deaths have been recorded in Manatee County so far this year, two in Anna Maria Sound; none are confirmed from red tide.
So far this year, 599 manatees have died in state waters, compared to 538 in all of 2017.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration, which was reported on Friday, Sept. 14.
Respiratory irritation was reported from Sept. 9-12 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Sept. 7 and Sept. 9-14 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
The last reported fish kill in Manatee County was on Sept. 8.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
Red tide remains off Anna Maria Island, and undoubtedly will continue to return in the future, Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources department, told Manatee County commissioners this week in his report on the county’s activities to address the outbreak.
“It’s still there. We’re still seeing results coming ashore on our beaches,” he said, adding that the county has two beach rakes cleaning the beaches, with Mark Taylor, the full-time beach raker, putting in 21 straight days without a day off.
“As a natural occurrence, it’s always with us,” Hunsicker said. “It’s only when it blooms in a fantastic abundance that it starts to affect the respiratory abilities of fish,” affecting the smallest fish first, then the larger ones as they ingest the smaller ones. “Red tide is in the water column. I can’t paint it any worse than that.”
Hunsicker predicted that the naturally-occurring algae, which was first reported as early as the 1700s off Florida’s coast, will continue to affect county beaches.
“As sure as we will see blue skies and blue water and sandy beaches again in the years to come, we may and will be revisited by red tide,” he said.
“The red tide is absolute in its effect and very difficult to mitigate,” Hunsicker said, adding that its severity can vary from day to day and place to place.
During the current outbreak, which began on Aug. 3, the county has taken several actions, Hunsicker said:
Adopted stringent local stormwater controls to protect the Outstanding Florida Waters classification for Sarasota Bay
Completed enhanced levels of wastewater treatment in March 2017 to lower nitrogen levels in its reclaimed water distribution systems at a cost of more than $21 million
Implemented summer fertilizer use restrictions
Mobilized a 12-hour-a-day/7-day-a-week project to clean beaches and boat ramps
Provided dumpsters at 16 locations to provide citizens the opportunity to dispose of fish
Mobilized emergency services through Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure and SWS to provide three collection vessels for floating fish, a transport vessel for hauling collected fish to shore dumpster locations, and administration for in-water collection services
Organized three volunteer clean-up events with department staff along the Palma Sola Causeway
Initiated the “Nets to Neighbors Program” providing nets to residents who are able to clean their own canals.
Picking up the pace and moving ahead to 11th place from 12th in a field of 13, loggerhead sea turtle Bortie continues to swim off Everglades National Park in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles.
Bortie has traveled 128 miles since the race began on Aug. 1. The event is part of the organization’s research project tracking satellite-tagged turtles to determine where and how far they migrate.
Bortie was satellite tagged and released on Coquina Beach on June 19, and is sponsored by the Conservancy, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach and Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria, for which she is named.
Bortie’s nest hatched successfully in August.
Bortie is still hanging around the Florida Keys in the Tour de Turtles race.
BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted on Sept. 11 to take another $500,000 from tourist tax funds and use it to remove dead fish killed by red tide from local beaches.
Red tide is causing concern for people with Florida vacation plans, and some are considering cancelling their reservations, according to the Better Business Bureau.
The bureau reports an increase in complaints filed against businesses offering vacation rentals during the current red tide bloom, which reached Anna Maria Island on Aug. 3.
Consumer complaints allege issues with receiving refunds following cancellation, and businesses not disclosing potential red tide issues.
The bureau recommends knowing your consumer rights, beginning with understanding the terms and conditions of your contract for a vacation rental, or the refund policy for a hotel reservation.
Establishments are not required under Florida law to issue refunds for prepaid reservations, according to the bureau.
Communication with the business is key, the bureau advises; talk with the management to resolve your issues. Most businesses want to keep you as a customer and will work with you to find a reasonable solution.
If you’re having a problem with your reservation visit www.bbb.org/howtocomplain for more information.
The vote raises the total tourist tax funds allowed for beach maintenance to $1,250,000 a year.
“We don’t know how long this red tide event is going to go on,” Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), told commissioners.
“We are standing down on marketing right now in certain areas,” he said. “We believe if we were putting our brand out there, our ROI (return on investment) would be next to nothing and we could be deceiving the marketplace.”
Marketing funds saved during the red tide outbreak will be used when the crisis is over to double down on the area’s tourism message, countering negative publicity in the (UK) Daily Mail and other publications, he said, adding that a $1 million contingency fund is also available to be used for marketing after a disaster, including hurricanes and red tide.
County commissioners amended the Tourist Development Plan in 2014 to allow $100,000 per year in tourist tax funds for maintenance of county-owned beaches. The following year, commissioners increased the funding to $750,000. Last month, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council voted unanimously to recommend the commission approve the additional $500,000.
