ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local waters remained free of red tide last week, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
No trace of the toxic algae was found in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria or at the Palma Sola Bay bridge in Bradenton on Jan. 28, and only background concentrations were found at the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.
However, respiratory irritation was reported on Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 28-29 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and on Jan. 23-24 and Jan. 26 at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, according to the report.
Blooms of Florida red tide can be patchy, with varying concentrations of the toxin it produces, causing effects to be noticeable on one beach but not on a nearby beach. Red tide also can be carried by winds to areas where the water is clear of the algae.
One red tide-related fish kill was reported 30 miles off Longboat Pass on Jan. 30.
The bloom began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3.
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of blooms, as do nutrients from these sources:
Florida’s natural phosphate deposits
The Loop Current, which brings Caribbean seawater to Florida’s west coast
The Mississippi River
Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters
Gov. Ron DeSantis has released a $91.3 billion state budget proposal for the fiscal year 2019-20, including $26 million “to improve water quality and combat the effects and impacts of harmful algal blooms, including blue-green algae and red tide.”
$10.8 million is recommended to increase water quality monitoring, support the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, and to develop a water quality public information portal providing monitoring data for all of Florida’s outstanding springs and key waterbodies, as well as to allow the public to track the investment in projects and progress in attaining water quality goals.
$10 million is recommended for innovative technologies and short-term solutions to address the impacts of algae blooms, including the continuation of the Department of Environmental Protection’s emergency red tide grant program, and may also address water quality treatment technologies surrounding Lake Okeechobee.
$4.2 million is recommended to establish the Center for Red Tide Research within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and to support the Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force and partnerships for mitigation and technology development with a renewed focus on red tide.
$1 million is recommended for the Department of Health to conduct a study on the long-term health impacts of red tide and blue-green algae.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – No red tide is predicted in Anna Maria Island waters through Monday, Jan. 28, and area waters remained clear of red tide last week, according to today’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report.
NOAA predicts low to very low red tide-related respiratory irritation in Manatee County through Monday.
No red tide was found in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach or Palma Sola Bay as of Jan. 22, according to the FWC. However, three red tide-related fish kills were reported in Manatee County over the past week, one at the Anna Maria City Pier.
Respiratory irritation was reported on Jan. 17 and Jan. 19-20 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 23 at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, according to the FWC.
Blooms of Florida red tide can be patchy, with varying concentrations of the toxin it produces, causing effects to be noticeable on one beach but not on a nearby beach.
The bloom, which is now affecting Collier County to the south, began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3.
Wildlife impacts
Since the bloom began in 2017, red tide has caused 589 sea turtle deaths, according to the FWC.
Of the 824 manatees that died in Florida waters in 2018, 132 of them were caused by red tide, including 10 from Manatee County, with six of those discovered around Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, the FWC reports. An additional 79 manatee deaths are suspected to have been caused by red tide, for a total of 211 probable red tide deaths, more than from watercraft (121 deaths) last year.
As of Dec. 20, 2018, 127 dolphins had died from red tide in Florida waters, according to NOAA, which stopped tracking dolphin mortality during the federal government shutdown that was suspended today.
Causes
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of red tide blooms, in addition to:
nutrient runoff from Florida’s natural phosphate deposits
nutrients from the Loop Current, which brings Caribbean seawater to Florida’s west coast
natural and man-made nutrients that travel down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico
nutrients from iron-rich Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters
nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) predicts no red tide through Monday, Jan. 21 in Manatee County, but NOAA predicts respiratory irritation, according to today’s reports.
While the USF/FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides gives the all-clear to Manatee County, NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin today predicts moderate levels of respiratory irritation through Monday, Jan. 21 on Manatee County’s Gulf side and moderate to high levels of irritation on the bay side.
NOAA defines “moderate” levels as affecting the general public with mild symptoms, in addition to those sensitive to red tide and those with chronic respiratory conditions.
Concentrations of red tide are patchy, and respiratory irritation will vary based on bloom concentration, ocean currents and wind speed and direction, according to NOAA, which notes on its website that “Parts of the U.S. Government are closed. However, because the information this site provides is necessary to protect life and property, it will be updated and maintained during the Federal Government shutdown.”
Red tide was not found in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach or Palma Sola Bay on Jan. 14, according to today’s FWC report.
No fish kills were reported in Manatee County, but respiratory irritation was reported on Jan. 10-12, Jan. 14 and Jan. 16-17 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Jan. 10, Jan. 12, and Jan. 14 at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, according to the FWC.
The bloom began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3; it has now surpassed the most recent record red tide of 2005-06.
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
At a press conference Jan. 10 at Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida’s new Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, announced some sweeping changes to the way his administration will handle Florida’s mounting water crisis.
The actions announced in the first two days of his term have been heralded by anglers, environmentalists and many Democrats. In an executive order signed that same day, DeSantis indicated he would be expanding efforts by increasing environmental funding, relying on sound science and pushing for quick action on Everglades area restoration.
In another action, he requested the resignation of the entire South Florida Water Management District board.
The specifics of the order call for $2.5 billion over the next four years for Everglades restoration and water resource protection, a $1 billion increase over what was spent the prior four years. Other key features include the creation of the Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency and the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, both within the Department of Environmental Protection.
I think it’s important to applaud the governor for these long overdue actions while keeping a close eye on what follows with the Republican-controlled Legislature that has been closely aligned with agricultural interests that have been blamed for much of the runoff that may be fueling both the red tide and blue-green algae.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his resolve to follow through with his campaign promise to address Florida’s water crisis. He is flanked by, from left, Mote’s Dr. Michael Crosby and Hell’s Bay Boat Company owner Chris Peterson. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
My main concern is the apparent change of course for a politician who, as a senator, consistently voted against sound environmental policy. True, DeSantis made the environment of Florida and the much-publicized red tide and blue-green algae threat the centerpiece of his campaign and is apparently following through with that promise. Looking for a valid explanation one doesn’t have to go too far. While all red tides are bad for businesses on Florida’s west coast (and occasionally the east coast), this episode finally got the attention it deserves as influential businesses, including developers, real estate agents and the $82 billion-dollar tourist industry felt the impact. While these actions are long overdue and the right thing to do, it’s also a wise political move.
I’ve fished local waters since the early 80s and have seen firsthand the slow but steady decline of many of our fisheries. True, there have been some bright spots as local governments have worked to control storm and sewage releases, and groups like the Coastal Conservation Association have lobbied for change.
But a look at Florida’s history really brings home the extent of what we’re losing and what has been lost. This past year, books I’ve read have helped me see the place where I’ve lived for four decades with new eyes. Jack Davis’ “Gulf, The Making of An American Sea,” Michael Grundwald’s “The Swamp, The Everglades, Florida, and The Politics of Paradise” and “A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith, showed me a once-resplendent Florida that few can imagine.
It’s an age-old problem as people have come to Florida over the decades and are enchanted by its natural beauty. Compared to other more compromised areas of the country some see no problem in sacrificing a few mangroves and natural habitat in the name of progress. When we have lived here for a while, we begin to see the effects of this gradual compromise as new residents arrive not having that same experience.
It’s unfortunate that the environment had to get to the condition it’s in to effect change, but maybe this time will be different. All Floridians should applaud the governor and support him in efforts to protect our water, air and natural assets. We should also be vigilant and hold our politicians to the task of protecting our most valuable assets. Stay tuned!
SARASOTA – New Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is wasting no time addressing water quality issues, including harmful algae blooms.
On Thursday, Jan. 10, DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-12 as part of his plans to implement major reforms to protect Florida’s water quality and environment. The executive order seeks $2.5 billion over the next four years for Everglades restoration and the protection of Florida’s water resources.
DeSantis issued the executive order less than 48 hours after being inaugurated as Florida’s 46th governor, and he visited Sarasota the same day. DeSantis was joined by his wife, Casey, and Lt. Governor Jeanette Núñez at an early afternoon press conference at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Keating Marine Education Center in Sarasota.
Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, Florida Sen. Joe Gruters, former State Rep. Jim Boyd, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein, Anna Upton from the Everglades Foundation, Chris Peterson from Captains for Clean Water, Mote Marine President Michael Crosby and others were on hand for the press event, and many of them also spoke.
Speaking first, Crosby said, “I was so heartened to hear our new governor say so clearly during his inaugural address that the quality of our water and the environmental surroundings are foundational to our prosperity as a state. Even more energizing for me was that he also said that he will lead the efforts to save our waterways, that together we will fight red tide and other harmful algae blooms.”
Governor’s remarks
DeSantis said he spent time that day learning what Mote Marine scientists are working on regarding red tide. He also noted that water quality was an issue he campaigned on.
“I listened loud and clear to what Floridians were telling us – that they wanted action on this. We have a sense of urgency. We’re going to be seeking $2.5 billion over the next four years for water resource and Everglades-related projects. That represents a billion dollars more than the previous four years,” DeSantis said.
He plans to install a chief science officer within DEP to work with Mote Marine and other agencies to ensure the state has the most up-to-date scientific data.
“So, when we’re making policy it’s going to be effective policy,” he said.
DeSantis is moving the enforcement arm of environmental issues out of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and into DEP.
“I think that’ll make a big difference. We’re also going to have a resiliency office to look at how different communities are affected by things like increased flooding and rising water,” he said.
The executive order says the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection will adamantly oppose all offshore oil and gas activities off every coast of Florida and oppose hydraulic fracturing (fracking) statewide.
The executive order also establishes a blue-green algae task force.
“This task force should support key funding and restoration initiatives to expedite nutrient reductions in Lake Okeechobee and the downstream estuaries,” the order says.
“I think we have a huge majority of Floridians across party lines that would love to see action. Unfortunately, I wish we could just do it at the governor’s office. We’re going to work with the Legislature, the local communities and the federal government. The federal government obviously plays a big role in this,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis said he worked with the White House and Army Corps of Engineers during his gubernatorial transition period and addressed the federal government’s management of Lake Okeechobee and discharging into surrounding rivers lake water that contains blue-green algae.
“I think we could probably avoid having to do these discharges, certainly not at the level we’ve seen,” DeSantis said.
“On our end, we’re going to move forward with the EAA reservoir (Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir Project), which is very important to be able to stop discharges. And we’re going to make sure the Army Corps gets on track with this thing. We don’t want it to take 10 years – that I think is going to be unacceptable. I do think the (federal) administration understands Florida’s needs, and I think they’re willing to work with us,” DeSantis said.
In reference to Galvano, Gruters and the Florida Senate, DeSantis said, “There’s a critical mass of folks here that really want to get some big things done. This is a challenge, but I also think it’s an exciting time because we can be part of solving some of these problems for generations to come.”
In a separate action, DeSantis has requested the resignations of all current board members of the South Florida Water Management District.
Mote funding
After the press conference, Cosby said Mote Marine would seek additional state and federal funds to bolster the red tide research and monitoring program currently conducted in partnership with FDEP.
Crosby also said Mote Marine would propose bill language to the state Legislature seeking an additional $3 million for each of the next five years to develop a new harmful algae bloom mitigation and technology development initiative aimed at lessening the impacts of red tide.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Low levels of red tide are forecast through Monday, Jan. 14, according to today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Low concentrations appeared in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach on Jan. 7. Very low concentrations were recorded at Palma Sola Bay the same day.
No fish kills were reported in Manatee County this week, but respiratory irritation was reported on Jan. 3, Jan. 5-7 and Jan. 9-10 at Coquina Beach and Jan. 3, Jan. 5, Jan. 7 and Jan. 9-10 at Manatee Beach, according to the FWC.
The rest of the state was clear of red tide through Jan. 10 with two exceptions – Collier County had high levels and low levels were recorded in the Florida Keys.
Medium and high levels are predicted on barrier islands off Sarasota County this weekend, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
The start of the New Year brought a resurgence of the red tide bloom, which had dwindled the last week of 2018 to one background concentration in Palma Sola Bay – the only evidence in the state of the toxic algae.
The bloom began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3; it has now surpassed the most recent record red tide of 2005-06.
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Very low levels cause possible respiratory irritation. Low levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels cause all the above, plus water discoloration.
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and Anna Maria Commissioners Brian Seymour and Amy Tripp recently shared their hopes for the city in 2019.
Completing the pier project and continuing the city’s drainage and street paving improvements currently sit atop the mayor’s to-do list.
“I’d really like to see some progress on red tide, but that’s not on my agenda. Something needs to be done; resources need to be put toward that,” Murphy said.
Murphy said the section of the new mixed-use trail that opened along Gulf Drive in October is a good start but there’s more to do regarding the expansion of the trail.
Now in his second term, Seymour will serve as the commission chair this year.
“My wish for the new year is that we have a new city pier by the end of 2019,” Seymour said.
“I would like to see the commission continue to look forward and utilize our long-term plan to focus on things that directly impact our residents, such as increased flood control measures, paving, infrastructure and other things that will help to make the city more livable for all residents.
“I hope the mayor and city staff continue, and maybe even add to, the city events at City Pier Park that help build our community spirit: the farmer’s market, Movies in the Park, our holiday events and more,” Seymour said.
“I wish for 2019 to leave everyone, happy, healthy and better off than 2018 has. Hopefully, there’s no return of red tide to our beautiful beaches that truly showcase what a special place we all live in,” he concluded.
Also in her second term as a commissioner, Tripp said, “I believe we will see significant progress in the new pier, more drainage management and my fingers are crossed that we will have more multiple use paths. I am pleased with the city team: the mayor, the sitting commission, the city staff and our city’s volunteer base.
“We are fortunate that we were still able to retain our city’s home rule after last year’s state legislative session, however, that will be back again. Losing home rule is one of Anna Maria’s biggest threats to the quality of living we currently have. Without home rule and local regulations, local accountability and safety will be greatly reduced,” Tripp said.
PALMA SOLA BAY – The last trace of red tide in Manatee County disappeared this week from its holdout position in Palma Sola Bay, but it has resurfaced in high concentrations in Sarasota County.
Most Florida waters are free from red tide as of Jan. 2, according to today’s report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
But high concentrations appeared in water samples off Lido Key and Siesta Key in Sarasota County that day, with medium concentrations at New Pass and low concentrations at Turtle Beach. Very low concentrations were found at Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach and Casperson Beach further south.
In Manatee County, no fish kills were reported, but respiratory irritation was reported on Dec. 30 at Coquina Beach and Dec. 27 and Dec. 29-30 at Manatee Beach, according to the FWC.
The weekend forecast through Monday, Jan. 7 is for low to high levels of red tide on Longboat Key and for low levels to the south, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
Today’s NOAA report predicts moderate respiratory irritation on Saturday, Jan. 5 on south Manatee County’s Gulf coast, and low irritation Sunday and Monday, Jan. 6-7. In south Manatee County’s bay regions, NOAA predicts moderate irritation all three days.
The report notes that “concentrations are patchy in nature and levels of respiratory irritation will vary locally based upon nearby bloom concentrations, ocean currents, and wind speed and direction.”
A prediction by NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf that storms on Dec. 20-21 would likely end the bloom held true for only two weeks.
The resurgence of the bloom, in its 15th month, comes a week after other hopeful news – red tide was not found in any water samples collected in Florida waters as the Christmas holidays began other than the background concentration in Palma Sola Bay, and no red tide was forecast for the last week of the year.
The bloom began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3; it is lasting longer than the most recent record red tide of 2005-06.
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Very low levels cause possible respiratory irritation. Low levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels cause all the above, plus water discoloration.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A NOAA scientist’s prediction that recent storms gave red tide a fatal beating appears to be coming true just in time for high tourist season.
For the first time in 14 months, no red tide is predicted in Southwest Florida in today’s three-day forecast by the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
Another first – red tide was not found in any water samples collected last week in Florida waters except for one in Manatee County, a background concentration at the Palma Sola Bay bridge, according to today’s FWC report.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects on people or marine life.
NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf told The Sun last week that the Dec. 20-21 storm would likely break up the bloom that began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3. The bloom rivaled one in 2005-06 that lasted 14 months.
Red tide cells crippled by winds gusting to 50 mph and waves cresting at 10 feet would be unable to swim toward nutrients, he predicted, saying, “If we have a normal winter this year, this will be the end of the bloom.”
No fish kills were reported in Manatee County last week, but respiratory irritation was reported on Dec. 21 and Dec. 25-26 at Manatee Beach, according to the FWC.
Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, is a type of microalgae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to marine life, red tide also can make shellfish unfit to eat and can cause respiratory irritation in people.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Very low levels cause possible respiratory irritation. Low levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Updated Dec. 21, 2018 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Bad weather may have brought the Christmas gift that Floridians have been asking for – the beginning of the end of red tide.
The bloom that began in Southwest Florida in October 2017 and arrived in Anna Maria Island waters on Aug. 3 had been getting weaker before the storms arrived, NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf said.
Richard Stumpf, NOAA
Concentrations of the toxic algae had disappeared or fallen to background or very low levels everywhere in the state except for two sites in Manatee County as of Dec. 17, according to Friday’s update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
“If we have a normal winter this year, this will be the end of the bloom.” – Rick Stumpf, NOAA
Since those samples were taken, heavy weather on Dec. 20-21 gave red tide cells a beating in the waves, likely dealing a serious blow to the 14-month bloom in Southwest Florida waters, according to Stumpf.
Red tide swims toward light and nutrients, and steady, rough weather can keep the cells from getting to their food and growing, he said.
The same storm-tossed water causes diatoms – good algae that produce oxygen – to grow and gradually overtake red tide, Stumpf said.
“If we have a normal winter this year, this will be the end of the bloom,” he said.
Forecast
Forecasters predict medium levels of red tide through at least Monday, Dec. 24 at Palma Sola Bay, and very low levels around Anna Maria Island, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
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.
A medium concentration of the harmful algae was detected on Dec. 17 in water samples at Palma Sola Bay and a very low concentration was found at Longboat Pass that day.
High concentrations of red tide detected in a sample at Palma Sola Bay on Dec. 13 were no longer present on Dec. 17.
No fish kills were reported in Manatee County last week, but respiratory irritation was reported, according to the FWC.
ANNA MARIA – Despite red tide in area waters since early August, tourism grew in Manatee County during the fiscal year October 2017 through September 2018, according to the county’s tourism consultant.
“If you consider the challenges we have had, and to some extent, still have, the data for the fiscal year really are impressive,” Walter Klages, of Research Data Services, told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Monday, Dec. 10.
Visitation grew by 1.6 percent over the last fiscal year to 724,200 visitors, “a significant number,” Klages said, producing an economic impact near $977 million.
Occupancy was down nearly 14 percent in August from August 2017 and down nearly 22 percent in September from September 2017, but red tide was not the only reason, he said, pointing out an increase in available vacation rentals.
“Looking ahead, we have challenges with the environment,” Klages said. “The tide has a significant impact, but looking down the road, I think our markets are strong and next year we will see significant growth again. I don’t think the stigma is going to carry very significantly into the season.”
Carol Whitmore
“This red tide has caused a blip,” TDC Chair Carol Whitmore said, adding that her home’s canal had dead fish in it three weeks ago, but no longer has an odor.
“Our Island is starting to fill up, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
Anna Maria City Pier progress
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy updated council members on the progress of the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier; the historic pier was demolished after damage done by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The city has a contract to build the pier platform, partially funded by up to $1.5 million in tourist tax funds, he said, adding that materials will be barged across Tampa Bay, alleviating road congestion on Anna Maria Island.
The platform is contracted for completion by Aug. 26, 2019, Murphy said, with the first pilings scheduled to be driven next month.
The restaurant and bait shop are scheduled to be completed by January 2021; an unavoidable delay resulted from permitting problems with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA, he said.
New tourism initiatives
Several initiatives are underway to promote more than just Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key beaches to visitors.
Ed Chiles
Former Bond girl and star of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” Jane Seymour is scheduled to have a cookoff with TDC member and Island restaurateur Ed Chiles next month while visiting the area for an undisclosed Riverwalk event, said Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Four “unplugged” concerts, including one by folk singer Judy Collins, are in the planning stages at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria and the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, he said. The TDC voted to recommend that Manatee County commissioners approve the plan on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
The council also approved a recommendation to the commission that $50,000 in tourist taxes be allocated to a Women’s Entrepreneurial Empowerment Summit at the Bradenton Area Convention Center or IMG Academy.
“We are starting to brand the Bradenton Area as a viable conference destination,” Falcione said.
Sean Walter, the CVB’s sports commissioner, reported that in fiscal year 2017-18, the county hosted more than 90 events in 16 sports, ranging from Frisbee to hockey.
Sports further diversifies the destination so that environmental impacts from red tide are not as devastating, Falcione said.
“What a way to finish the year,” Chiles said, citing the new developments, including news that Allegiant Air will add nine new nonstop destinations at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
“It’s been tough but there is reason to be optimistic,” he said. “We could use a little good news out here, and we have gotten a lot of great news today.”
Medium levels of red tide are predicted through at least Monday, Dec. 17 around most of Anna Maria Island, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
For the first time since red tide arrived in local waters last August, no fish kills were reported in Manatee County last week, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The absence of fish kills may be because the nearshore fish population already has been eradicated in recent months, according to Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department.
The most recent FWC water samples available show these concentrations of red tide:
Not present or background: Mead Point at Perico Island, Dec. 11
Very low: Rod and Reel Pier (Anna Maria) Dec. 10; Longboat Pass boat ramp (Sarasota Bay) Dec. 10
Low: Cortez Beach (Bradenton Beach), Dec. 10
Medium: Palma Sola Bay bridge, Dec. 10.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects.
Very low levels cause possible respiratory irritation
Low levels cause possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and fish kills.
Medium levels cause probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and fish kills.
High levels cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Respiratory irritation was reported Dec. 9-12 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 9 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
While no fish kills were reported, FWC reported a red tide-distressed seagull on Anna Maria Island on Dec. 13.
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 present in the southwest Gulf of Mexico since October 2017, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August 2018.
Medium levels of red tide are predicted through at least Monday, Dec. 10 on Anna Maria Island, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
The most recent FWC water samples available show these concentrations of red tide:
Not present or background: Mead Point at Perico Island, Dec. 4
Low: Rod and Reel Pier (Anna Maria), Dec. 3; Longboat Pass boat ramp (Sarasota Bay), Dec. 3
Medium levels: Palma Sola Bay bridge, Dec. 5.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects.
Very low levels can cause respiratory irritation.
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 Nov. 29 and Dec. 1-5 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Dec. 1-6 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.
The toxic algae bloom has been present in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for more than a year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August.
The red tide forecast for Anna Maria Island is high through Monday, Dec. 3, according to the University of South Florida/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides.
The Nov. 30 FWC report shows low concentrations of red tide in water samples collected on Nov. 26 at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at Longboat Pass boat ramp in Sarasota Bay. Medium levels were found at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach and at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.
Dead fish still wash up on Island beaches, but not in the quantities they did when the outbreak began in early August. – Cindy Lane | Sun
Respiratory irritation was reported Nov. 22-23 and Nov. 25-29 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Nov. 24-28 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 present in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for more than a year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August.
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Red tide was not found in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach or Palma Sola Bay on Jan. 14, according to today’s FWC report.
